Extracting teeth is not high on the list of things dentists like to do. Whenever possible, they try to do everything in their power to save the tooth. Sadly, there are times when a tooth extraction is the only option available.
The reason a dentist will opt to go through with a tooth extraction vary from one person to another. There are some conditions, such an abscessed tooth that require the extraction of a tooth. Severe decay is another reason that a tooth will have to be removed. Someone who suffers from diabetes will often find that as a result of the disease, they need to have their natural teeth extracted so that they can be fitted with a pair of dentures. When it comes to a tooth extraction, the dentists tend to take things on a tooth by tooth basis. There are going to be some situations when the dentist will suggest a tooth extraction even though you think the tooth is perfectly fine because they recognize indicators of disease and the removal of the tooth is the best way to prevent the disease from spreading.
The nice thing about a tooth extraction is that unlike many other dental procedures is that it really shouldn’t take very long. The exact length of the procedure will depend on how difficult it is for the dentist to get a hold of the tooth with their tools and your sensitivity. The average tooth extraction can be completed in 5 minutes though occasionally one will last as long as 30 minutes. The most difficult portion of the procedure is usually checking to make sure that the dentist got the entire root bed out, and that there aren’t any little bits of roots embedded in your gums. Local anesthesia is all the dentist will use when extracting your tooth, if general anesthesia is needed, you will have to be sent to an oral surgeon and will not be allowed to drive yourself home.
After a tooth extraction you are going to have to be careful for a few days. Some discomfort and swelling is to be expected, but you are going to want to monitor your mouth. If the pain/swelling doesn’t lesson after a day or two you need to contact your dentist. If you feel like the pain is starting to travel or pulsate, get yourself either to the doctor or the hospital, the pain could indicate an infection. It is going to take a few days for the gum to heal completely; you should avoid hard foods, extreme exercise, and spitting until the gum has completely healed. You will be able to brush your teeth after the extraction, but you should rinse for at least twenty-four hours.
