When to perform tooth extraction?
- When teeth cannot be treated with applications such as filling
, root canal treatment, post, crown-bridge;
- When it is not possible to apply gum treatment for treating loose teeth with decreased bone support caused by gum disease;
- For fully embedded or semi-embedded teeth (especially wisdom teeth) that can cause various problems in neighboring teeth;
- For orthodontically providing place in the dental arch for the correction of teeth;
- For extraction of milk teeth that are past-due.
What Should Be Done After Tooth Extraction; What should not be done?
- After tooth extraction, blood clotting should be ensured by applying a tampon for at least 30 minutes with a gauze placed by the dentist. There may be bleeding in the form of leakage for a few hours after the gauze is removed.
- The patient should not spit, mouthwash or oral-rinse as it might remove the blood clot and cause continued bleeding.
- The patient shouldn’t eat or drink anything until the numbness is gone; otherwise, the tongue, cheeks or lips can be bitten accidentally.
- The patient shouldn’t smoke 2-3 days after the extraction.
- The patient shouldn’t consume too hot and cold foods; even a hot shower should not be taken.
- Soft foods should be consumed for a few days.
- There is usually no pain in normal extractions, but a painkiller can be taken as pain is likely to occur after surgical extractions.
- The medicines like oral rinse and the medicines prescribed by the dentist should be used as instructed.
- Swelling may occur after surgical extraction. Cold compress can be applied to the face to prevent it. The swelling will go away within a few days.
- If the dentist’s statements are not taken into account after the extraction, dry bone inflammation, which we call alveolitis, may occur and cause severe pain.
- Some extractions may need sutures. Sutures should be removed by the dentist one week after the extraction.