Making Informed Decisions for Your Oral Health
Getting a tooth extracted isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. However, sometimes removing a tooth can be the best way of maintaining the health of the rest of the mouth. You must get the right advice in order to make a smart decision on teeth extractions and wisdom teeth removal. Simply leaving a damaged tooth in your mouth can lead to serious complications, although you will also want to give it the best possible chance of surviving.
When to Have a Tooth Extracted
Extraction is the best course of action for the following reasons:
- Periodontal disease
- Severe decay
- A tooth has been badly broken and is beyond repair
- To cover a tooth with a root canal
- Poorly positioned teeth
- Wisdom teeth removal because they are impacted or crowding other teeth
- Pre-orthodontic work
Once a tooth extraction has been completed, it is important to replace the missing tooth. Failing to do this can result in additional problems, as the remaining teeth shift into the gap, which could cause various dental problems in the future. Getting a dental implant may be the best solution following an extraction.
What You Need to Know About Tooth Extractions
A lot of people dread going to the dentist for tooth extraction. However, with today’s dental procedures and technologies, the process is a lot easier, and the recovery is much faster than it used to be. Depending on the treatment need, you may have a day or two of discomfort in your jaw and mouth, but it is well worth it when you get relief from a tooth.
If you choose to extract a tooth that has been causing you trouble, here are a few things that are good to know:
- Recovery time: after extracting a tooth, you should stay away from food for at least three hours. You should not smoke before at least 24 hours have passed, as nicotine makes the blood vessels smaller and increases blood pressure. It also reduces the blood going to the surface and slows down the recovery process. Stick to cold drinks and food the first night to avoid discomfort. Lastly, wait two or three days before you brush around the area of the extracted teeth.
- Watch for Infection: with any kind of open wound, there is a risk of infection. If the bleeding does not stop within three days, you should contact your trusted dentist in Kennewick to check if your gums are infected. If that is the case, a week of antibiotics will be more than enough to stop the infection and recover.
