Reasons for Dental Extractions
One of the commonest factors that lead to teeth extraction is extensive damage caused by decay or dental trauma such that it becomes impossible for a dentist near you to fix it. Other reasons why you may need to go for dental extraction in Watsonville include:
- Infection – When the damages caused by dental decay extend to a tooth’s pulp – the tooth’s central part that contains blood vessels and nerves – the bacteria present in your oral cavity can infiltrate the pulp causing an infection. In most cases, root canal treatment is performed as a restoration procedure. However, suppose the patient’s infection is too severe such that root canal and antibiotics fail to cure it. In that case, an extraction procedure becomes the only alternative to stop the infection from spreading.
- Gum disease – If a person is suffering from advanced periodontal disease, an illness that weakens and destroys the bones and tissues that support and surround teeth, pulling out the loose teeth or tooth becomes necessary.
- The risk of getting an infection – For persons whose immune systems have been compromised – for instance, those receiving chemotherapy treatment or organ transplant, the slightest risk of an infection occurring in any particular tooth is a good enough reason to pull it out.
- A crowded oral cavity – Sometimes, your oral care provider may find it imperative to pull some of your teeth out so that he/she achieves the main orthodontia goal, which is to align teeth properly. It becomes quite challenging to accomplish this goal if you have too large teeth to fit in your mouth.
Watsonville Family Dental is a dental clinic in Watsonville that offers tooth extraction services at affordable costs. Visit us if you ever need dental services.
Things You Should Tell the Dentist Before Your Tooth is Pulled Out
Although a tooth extraction procedure is considered safe, it can create a way for harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream, and it also puts your gum tissue at risk. Thus, people with medical conditions that raise one’s chances of getting severe infections have to be on antibiotics medication before the extraction and afterward.
Before you embark on this procedure, make sure your dental practitioner has a copy of your medical history, is aware of the supplements and medications you take, and let him/her know if you suffer from the following conditions:
- Liver disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Impaired immune response
- Damaged heart valves
- Any history associated with bacterial endocarditis
Aftercare Tips for An Extracted Tooth
After a tooth removal procedure, you’ll be sent home by your dentist to recover. The recovery period will take some days, and below are some tips that will help minimize your discomfort and speed up the recovery process.
- Limit your activities at least for one or two days following the extraction.
- Get enough quality rest for the next 24 hours after your tooth has been pulled out.
- Use bags of ice to lower down the swelling of the affected part.
- Avoid spitting or rinsing forcefully as this can dislodge the clot formed in the tooth’s socket.
- Take the painkillers prescribed by your dentist.
- Avoid smoking; it can inhibit the body’s healing process.
- Use pillows to support your head when you lie down to prevent prolonged bleeding that results from lying flat.
- Consume soft foods like soup, yogurt, and pudding until the site of extraction heals.
- Keep on brushing and flossing your teeth to prevent infection but avoid the wounded site while doing so.
When to See the Dentist
Experiencing some pain is normal, especially when the anesthesia has worn off, and so is some residual bleeding and swelling. However, if four or more hours pass after the procedure and you are still in severe pain, and neither has the bleeding stopped, then you need to give your oral care provider a call or visit. One should also visit a dental office if they are experiencing the following:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Chills and fever which may be signs of an infection
- Excessive discharge, swelling, or redness from the site of the extracted tooth
- Severe cough or chest pain
The formation of new gum and bone tissue will take about seven to 14 days. However, with time your bite may be affected, resulting in chewing difficulties due to the shifting of the remaining dental structures. You can prevent this by replacing the extracted tooth with a denture, fixed bridge, or implant.