A Root Canal

You Should Know These Four Things About Tooth Extractions

When there's a problem with one of your teeth, your dentist will always recommend repair work if possible. In many cases, your dentist will be able to remove decay using a drill before placing a filling or crown on your tooth. However, in some cases, your tooth may be too damaged to allow for these treatments. If your tooth is heavily cracked, broken, or decaying, your dentist may recommend an extraction. During an extraction, your dentist will surgically remove your tooth. Here are four things you ought to know about the dental extraction procedure:

1. You will be awake the whole time.

Although a dental extraction is technically considered a surgery, your dentist won't need to put you to sleep. Instead, they will use the same type of local anesthetic administered to patients before cavity fillings. Your dentist will numb your gums before injecting local anesthetic around your tooth. This medication only takes a few minutes to take effect, so the procedure will be as quick as possible.

2. Your dentist may break the tooth up before removal.

In most cases, your dentist will be able to extract your tooth using pressure and forceps. However, some people have teeth that are more firmly attached. If your dentist is unable to remove your tooth initially, they may break your tooth into smaller pieces before excising it. This may sound alarming, but you will be completely numb the entire time. You may feel pressure, but your extraction should be totally pain-free.

3. You can listen to music.

Although local anesthetic will numb you, some patients find the sounds of the procedure unsettling. Listening to music can help you take your mind off your dental extraction while your dentist does their job. Bring earbuds that won't hamper your dentist's access to your mouth. Let your dentist know about your plan to listen to music so they know that they'll need to remove your headphones to speak to you.

4. You should follow all your aftercare instructions.

Following the removal of a tooth, your body will need time to heal. The healing process can take a few weeks, and during this time, you should follow all your dentist's instructions. Avoid drinking through a straw or smoking cigarettes, since this can dislodge the blood clot that will form in your gums immediately after surgery. Dry socket is very painful, so you should prevent it when possible.


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