What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
Getting a tooth pulled typically has a negative connotation associated with it. Most patients are aware that it can be uncomfortable — however, not pulling a damaged or infected tooth can lead to serious health issues. At Blakeney Dental, we take pride in providing our patients with delicate and comprehensive tooth extraction services that exceed their expectations.
Why is tooth extraction necessary?
The typical reasons for a tooth extraction stem from trauma, overcrowding in your mouth, infection, and disease. If you have a tooth that’s so badly impacted that it can’t be saved or repaired, removing the tooth becomes a necessity. Extraction stops any further damage to your surrounding teeth, gums, and bone structure.
Often, a tooth such as a wisdom tooth needs to be extracted because it’s growing awkwardly in the back of your mouth. This is more of a preventive measure to ensure your surrounding teeth aren’t impacted by the fully grown wisdom tooth.
If you’re having a tooth removed that would leave a gap in your smile, a dental implant can be a good secondary procedure to replace your extracted tooth.
What can I expect after I’ve had my tooth extracted?
The answer to this differs on a case-by-case basis and depends on the severity of your dental problems. There are two forms of tooth extraction, and your recovery time varies for each.
Simple tooth extraction
A simple tooth extraction is a procedure that’s performed when a tooth that may have suffered trauma or infection is fully grown and visible above the gumline. It can be loosened and pulled using forceps, without requiring surgery. Most simple tooth extractions heal between 7-10 days, and you start feeling considerably better after about five days.
Surgical tooth extraction
A surgical tooth extraction is commonly used when a tooth has yet to grow in completely and portions of your gums and jawbone may need to be removed to access it. Sometimes, however, fully grown teeth also require surgical removal. Depending on the severity of your case, a surgical tooth extraction typically is fully healed within two weeks.
Dr. Mark Ranzinger and his team provide you with guidance on the necessary treatment and after-care once your tooth has been removed. For both simple and surgical tooth extraction procedures, a few typical after-care activities include:
Rest
Cold compress
Gauze to prevent bleeding
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Saline rinses after the first two days of healing
Eating soft foods and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth from the extraction
If you’re suffering from tooth pain caused by damage, decay, or other dental concern and you need a tooth extraction, call us today or request an appointment online for a consultation with Dr. Ranzinger.