What Should You Know Before Coming In?
At first, the idea of an extraction is usually negative. Most of us hope to keep our teeth for a lifetime. However, if you have ever had a severe toothache, the idea of removing that tooth can sound pretty good. Even a healthy tooth can break or split in such a manner that extraction is the only option. If you and your dentist decide that extraction is the best option, what can you expect?
Probably the most important thing is to be thoroughly numb. Most people hate getting a shot. This is especially true when you are already in pain and nervous about the procedure. But when you are totally numb, it’s worth it!
An upper tooth usually gets numb fairly easily. The shots do not hurt much, and they work quickly. But, if the area is swollen from infection, you will have to wait several days and take antibiotics to reduce the swelling (so the anesthetic will work). If a swollen upper tooth needs to come out immediately, you would need to be put to sleep.
A swollen lower tooth can usually be taken out without waiting for antibiotics to work. The shot is given in the back corner of the mouth away from the swelling, allowing the anesthetic to work. However, a lower molar is often resistant to becoming totally numb from one shot, swollen or not. Small supplemental shots around the gum line usually ensure that a lower molar is totally numb.
What Happens During the Extraction?
The extraction itself does require some pressure on the tooth, but no pain. First the tooth is loosened by using an instrument called an elevator. The elevator is slipped between the teeth, and it is used to rock the tooth to be extracted. This actually expands the bone in the socket to loosen the grip that it has on the roots. Then forceps are used to apply pressure in the direction needed to guide the tooth out of the socket. Some teeth have several divergent or curved roots, These need to be separated by drilling between the roots, and then each single root can be removed much more easily.
What Happens Afterward?
After the procedure, a pain tablet is often prescribed and possibly an antibiotic. You are given written instructions, my cell number, and extra gauze in case some bleeding starts again later.
Have someone drive you home, relax, and put an ice bag on the area where the tooth was extracted. You should also eat soft food away from the socket. Do not smoke, drink from a straw, or drink hot or carbonated beverages. If you need to rinse your mouth, do so very gently. The following day, rinse thoroughly after eating to remove food particles from the socket.