Having tooth decay or infection in excess can be uncomfortable, and you should consider tooth extraction. A dentist or oral surgeon is thus your go-to option to perform the extraction procedure. Richmond tooth extractions are done by trusted dentists who conduct the dental care procedure in a professional and safe manner. Additionally, you will gain awareness about the types of tooth extraction and what to expect before tooth extraction, as well as how to maintain your oral health during your visit.
Table of Contents
What is Dental Extraction?
The process of removing a tooth from your mouth is a dental extraction. The dentist can decide to remove your tooth for reasons like gum disease, dental cavities, complications from the wisdom teeth, and if you have crowded teeth and want to have braces. Your doctor will recommend a tooth extraction only when you have a weak immune system or severe infection.
Preparation Before Tooth Extraction
You need to consult with your dentist before extraction; this is essential as the doctor will check your medical history and discuss any current medications, supplements, or vitamins. Suppose you have conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart problem, liver, and renal disease. In that case, you must talk with your doctor because you should be in a stable condition before you start tooth extraction. You will need to stop using certain medications before surgery, and after the procedure, you can be given other medications.
Types of Tooth Extraction
Simple Extraction
The procedure involves using local anesthesia on the affected gum of the tooth so that you cannot feel pain during the extraction. Your dentist will use forceps to remove the affected tooth. This type of extraction is used only when the tooth is above the gums.
Surgical Extraction
This type of tooth extraction is complex, and the dentist can remove your gum tissue or bone. If your decayed tooth is broken, the surgeon will have to remove all the pieces and the damaged tissue. If you have an extreme medical condition, the anesthesia can keep you unconscious during the procedure.
Extraction Procedure
An X-ray of your infected tooth is necessary for your dentist. The image will help decide on the type of tooth extraction to use and ensure that the correct angle of the tooth is known. The surgeon will use anesthesia on the area before removing the pieces of the damaged tooth and stitch the area after extraction to control bleeding. You will also get a maintenance plan to reduce the chance of infection on the extraction site.
After tooth extraction, you have to maintain good oral hygiene so that the wound can recover faster. Recovery will only take a couple of days; you need to keep biting the gauze pad to help with blood clotting. You can use a painkiller and ice to reduce the swelling and pain and you should avoid drinking and smoking. It would help if you had a regular checkup with the dentist who will monitor the function of your teeth and gums.
Conclusion
A dentist or oral surgeon should only do a tooth extraction. Consultation with your doctor is essential so that they can examine the extent of the damage. After surgery, you need to maintain good oral health so that you can recover faster. In case of any complications, you should talk with your dentist.