Tooth extraction is a surgical procedure of completely removing a tooth from its socket. Typically, emergency tooth extraction is done in cases of severe decay, when a tooth can not be saved with dental filling, root canal treatments, or dental crowns. Also, wisdom teeth are often removed as a part of orthodontic treatment or if they cause pain and discomfort. If you are planning to have your tooth pulled, read our article and learn about the tooth extraction recovery process.
What Happens During the Procedure of Tooth Extraction?
In some cases, your dentist will take an x-ray or a scan before the procedure. Then, you will be given an anesthetic injection in the gum. Usually, local anesthetic is enough for a tooth removal procedure. Most patients do not feel any pain at all during the surgery. However, in some more complex cases, your dentist might recommend sedation.
Once the anesthetic begins to work, your tooth will be loosened and then removed from the socket. In cases of impacted wisdom teeth, your dentist will start by making incisions in the gum to access the tooth. Depending on the case, the procedure can last from 15 minutes to an hour. When the tooth is removed, your dentist will stitch the gum or place a gaze over the extraction site to manage the bleeding and prompt the blood clot to form in the socket.
Tooth Extraction Recovery Process
In most cases, patients can expect complete healing of the jawbone within several weeks after the extraction. However, pain and swelling go away in just a few days. Also, you might experience slight bleeding in the first couple of hours after the procedure before the blood clot is fully formed. Pain caused by tooth extraction usually can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. Typically, patients can return to their daily activities within the first 48 to 72 hours.
Dos and Don’ts After Tooth Extraction
To make sure that the recovery goes without complications, follow the several rules we have listed below.
- Take great care not to disturb the blood clot that forms in the socket after tooth extraction. A blood clot is crucial for the socket to heal properly. If the clot is disturbed or removed, the condition called “dry socket” can occur, which is painful and slows down healing.
- To preserve the clot, brush and floss your teeth carefully in the area of extraction. Do not gargle your mouth, and do not use a straw for drinking, as it creates suction in the mouth and can disturb the blood clot.
- Maintain thorough oral hygiene to prevent bacteria from infecting the extraction site. You can also use an antimicrobial mouthwash to gently rinse the extraction area after meals.
- Avoid sports and other strenuous activities for 2 to 3 days. Depending on the difficulty of the surgery, your dentist might recommend a longer downtime.
- Take medication as prescribed by your dentist. You might be prescribed antibiotics and painkillers. Never exceed the recommended dose of your medication.
- Abstain from alcohol and nicotine-containing products because they significantly slow down the healing process. In addition, smoking creates suction in the mouth, which can disturb the blood clot.
- If you experience swelling, try keeping your head elevated at night and using cold compresses during the day. You can hold a cold compress to your jaw on the side of the extraction for 15 to 20 minutes with at least 20 to 30 minutes of breaks.
Diet After Tooth Extraction
The main goal after tooth extraction is to have a nutritious diet that will prompt healing. However, there are some foods you should avoid:
- Hard and crunchy foods (crackers, chips, nuts, etc.)
- Foods that require biting down with force (apples, raw carrots, etc.)
- Sticky and chewy foods (toffee, caramel, dried fruit)
- Very hot and cold drinks and foods
Stick to a liquid diet in the first 24 hours after extraction and to a soft diet in the next 48 hours. Also, try eating in small bites to minimize the strain on the jawbone. Liquid and soft diet food options might include:
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Broth and soup puree
- Mashed potato and other vegetables
- Meet pâté, soft cutlets, and fish
- Porridge and oatmeal
- Soft bread without seeds
- Cottage cheese
- Scrambled eggs
- Tofu
- Baked beans
- Pasta
- Avocado
When to See a Dentist?
Experiencing moderate pain and swelling for several days after tooth extraction is typical and expected. However, if the pain is severe and lasts for more than several days, or if you have bleeding, make an appointment with your dentist to make sure that no complications occur.
Make an Appointment Today
If you need a tooth extraction, do not hesitate to contact the La Mirada dental office near you today. We also provide emergency tooth extraction services. Our specialists are looking forward to welcoming you and your family to our clinic.