3 Things to Know About Your First Tooth Extraction
When your teeth fall out as a child, it is no big deal, but it is something else entirely when you need to have one extracted as an adult. This might be necessary if you are getting orthodontic treatment and have overcrowding, or if you have severe decay of a tooth. Here are some things to expect from your tooth extraction.
You Need to Keep the Blood Clot in Place
After you have the tooth extracted, the oral surgeon will provide you with a list of things to do and not do. One of the things they warn against is using a straw or smoking cigarettes, since a sucking motion is used for these activities. This can cause the blood clot to become dislodged, which leads to dry socket. This is a very painful condition that requires immediate dental care. Make sure you do everything you can to keep that blood clot in place, from not using a straw, to being careful when brushing your teeth around that area.
There May Be Some Discomfort
During the extraction, the area will be numbed, so you won't experience any discomfort. Some procedures might even require you to be asleep, such as with a wisdom tooth removal. However, once the anesthesia wears off, you should expect some type of discomfort. Make sure you start taking your pain relievers before the anesthesia wears off to handle the transition a little better. You can reduce swelling with ice packs on your face, but be careful not to push too hard against your cheeks. Let your dentist know if the pain gets worse during the recovery period instead of better, as you might have an infection.
Wisdom Teeth Removals Are More Complicated
If you are having a wisdom tooth extracted, it is a much different process than another tooth. Wisdom teeth are not only in a more difficult spot being all the way in the back of your mouth, but they are often impacted, so require a surgical extraction. The procedure itself takes a little longer, and you may experience a longer recovery period. With this type of extraction, it is essential you follow all of the oral surgeon's instructions as far as how to keep it clean, avoiding dry socket, preventing infection, and what to eat and drink during recovery.
While extractions can sometimes seem scary, they are routine dental procedures performed every day. Just make sure you practice good oral hygiene and follow the dentist's instructions.