Having a Tooth Removed: What You Should Know

Almost no one wants to have a missing tooth. While accidents are not preventable, having to have a tooth removed by the dentist, like an election, it seems like they can be. However, having a tooth extracted is often necessary for a few reasons. These can include:

-Pain is present

-The tooth is not repairable

-A broken tooth is causing damage to other teeth

-The tooth is causing an alignment problem, i.e., wisdom teeth

Whether you have a tooth that is broken and isn’t salvageable or has a wisdom tooth that needs to be pulled, you are likely curious about the procedure and what to expect. One of the most common questions is, “How much pain can I expect?” Take a look at some of the most common problems associated with tooth removal, including oral surgery for wisdom teeth removal.

Should You Be Worried About Dry Socket?

If you have to spend any time researching tooth removal, you’ve probably come across the term ‘dry socket.’ Dry socket is a painful condition caused by a dislodged blood clot that leaves the bone and nerve exposed. This can be extremely painful. Luckily, it can be avoided if you follow your dentists’ recommendations. One of the biggest causes seems to be smoking and using a straw. Avoid these activities for at least the first four days following tooth removal.

Does Oral Surgery Hurt?

Having a tooth removed can feel scary. Most are nervous about a tooth being cut out, and the thought that it would be painful. Here, it will come down to your dentist, somewhat. Your dentist will numb the area thoroughly. This ensures you don’t feel anything throughout the entire procedure. If at any point, you start to feel something, you should be able to alert your dentist, and they will pause to give more medication. All in all, the procedure itself should be pretty close to painless. Most equate the feeling of being more of a discomfort than pain.

How Long Is Recovery?

After having a tooth removed, most people want to know when they can start getting back to their regular routines. For the first few days following an extraction, you will be in a fair amount of discomfort. Your diet will need to change slightly as chewy foods, those that are overly hot, and those that are crunchy should be avoided. You can expect the recovery to take a week or two before getting back to ‘normal.’

Are There Any Tips To Speed Recovery?

Unfortunately, time is the best alley in healing. But to improve healing, you should listen to your dentist. They will provide tips and tricks to speed recovery and minimize pain. For example, you might not know that after 24 hours, gargling salt water will help promote speedier healing. As mentioned above, if you smoke, you should quit or avoid smoking for at least a week following oral surgery. Quitting can prevent the painful condition of a dry socket.

How Soon Can You Get a Replacement Tooth?

If you are having a tooth removed that isn’t a wisdom tooth, you are probably wondering how soon after you can get a replacement. The good news here is you don’t have to wait too long. However, it does depend on your dentist. Some like to wait until healing is complete before placing a replacement, while others are okay with putting a temporary in while the permanent is being made or during the healing process.

For more information on oral surgery, wisdom tooth removal, and extractions, visit Riggs Family Dentistry online today.