Tooth extraction or exodontia is a fairly common procedure and most of us have to get at least one tooth pulled out at some point in our lives. However, the phobias and paranoias associated with the procedure are endless and justifiably so. Let us take a look at this article which provides a step-by-step analysis of the entire process and try to rid ourselves of the anxiety.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

There are a wide array of reasons as to why your tooth needs to be pulled out. One of the main reasons could be a crowded mouth and removal of teeth could lead to perfect alignment. Serious dental infection is also one of the leading causes of tooth removal. Your dentist can also recommend a tooth extraction surgery if you are suffering from periodontal disease. Now that we know the most common reasons let us delve deeper into the basics of the tooth extraction procedure.

Sedation Dentistry

Numbing the site of the tooth extraction is done even before the tugging and pulling out of your tooth starts. The location of the tooth determines if you will receive an intravenous anesthetic or a general neuroleptic. In case you are given the local anesthetic or the injection, then you might be instructed to not eat or drink anything eight hours before the procedure. To avoid any serious complications we would recommend you to provide your entire medical and dental history to your dentist and also specify any medication you are under. Our team of dentists will discuss the options with you and help you select the best sedative dentistry service for your case. Put your mind at ease and you are all set to begin the procedure.

The Extraction Process

Once you have been sedated and your gum tissue is adequately numb, our Dentist in Winchester and the team will attempt to loosen the teeth. When it is sufficiently loose from the ligaments and the jawbone, our team of dentists will perform the extraction using forceps. These are simple extractions and they are generally smooth and hassle-free. Surgical extractions, on the other hand, could be a bit complicated. If the tooth is impacted then the dentist can solve the issue easily with small incisions. You are only supposed to feel pressure throughout the entire procedure. In case of any pain or discomfort let your dentist know. In such cases, your sedative could be tweaked to numb the area further.

Steps to Hasten the Recovery

The recovery process could take anywhere from two to three days to a week. If the pain persists you are advised to contact your dentist immediately and request painkillers.

Gently biting the gauze pad:

Once the procedure is complete, your dentist will place a sterilized gauze pad to prevent bleeding and preserve the blood clot which has been formed. You are supposed to firmly but gently bite it and change it once it is completely covered in blood. Keep it for as long as your dentist advises you to do so. Oftentimes the edges of the gum will be closed up with self-dissolving stitches which will fasten the recovery process and prevent bacteria from entering your bloodstream. Avoid rinsing your mouth for the next 24 hours to avoid conditions leading to a dry socket.

Cold Compressions:

The application of ice packs can minimize the swelling and lead to a faster healing process. Using cold compresses for ten to twenty minutes has been seen to reduce pain.

Eat soft food:

Beverages and edibles of jelly-like consistency will be your best friend during the recovery process. Ingest soft food like yogurt, pudding, or even soup till the pain subsides and you can again chew properly.

Additionally, avoid smoking and give a lot of rest to your body for the next two days. Occasionally rinse your mouth with saline water after 24 hours of the extraction procedure. If you have any further questions related to extraction then consult a dentist near you immediately. And if you are looking for a dentist in Winchester, VA then please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation.

Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, and without any prior warning. Suppose you are playing baseball one minute and the very next minute you have a broken tooth. What would you do then? Rush to your emergency dentist and let them fix your tooth in no time. Take a look at this article to get a better insight on when to avail emergency dentistry services.

Dislodged tooth

A completely knocked-out permanent tooth can cause excruciating pain and is a major cause of concern. To manage the pain and reinsert the broken tooth you need to visit your emergency dentist without any delay. Steer far away from at-home remedies and treatments and let emergency dentistry do its magic.

Bleeding Gums

Mysterious bleeding could be an early sign of undiagnosed periodontal disease. If your gums are bleeding continuously and you are experiencing swelling and pain along with it, then rush to your dentist at your earliest convenience. Do not let the bleeding persist and treat it at its inception.

Metallic taste in your Mouth

Does your mouth taste like metallic pennies? A sudden metallic taste in your mouth could indicate that your metallic fillings are damaged. It could cause serious damage to your oral health if left untreated. Save yourself from a potential root canal treatment. Visit your dentist immediately and prevent bacterial infection in your mouth

Tremendous Toothache

If you are suffering from unexplained toothache and the pain is consistent then we would advise you to take the assistance of emergency dentistry services. If the pain is mild then you could wait it out and try home remedies. If the severity increases then rush to your nearest dental clinic. Pain coupled with fever and headache could be a sign of an abscessed tooth and requires immediate attention

Swollen jaw

An inflamed mouth could be caused due to several reasons. It could indicate an infection, gum disease, or sometimes be an early indicator of oral cancer. To ascertain the reason you should visit your emergency dentist and chalk up an effective treatment plan.

Loose Tooth

Your permanent pearly whites are not supposed to be moving once they have matured. Tooth mobility could be a symptom of serious underlying problems and it is better to choose emergency dental care in such situations. A quick oral exam or an x-ray can detect the problem and avoid further complications.

Persisting Canker Sore

Canker sores are small gashes inside your mouth. They are pretty common and aren’t usually a cause of concern. However, if they don’t heal in two weeks then it is time to visit your nearest dental clinic. Oftentimes, they could be the breeding ground for oral infections and you should avoid that at all costs.

Now that you know when to opt for emergency dentistry, feel free to reach out to our Emergency dentist in Winchester at Smiles of Virginia whenever required. If you are looking for emergency dental care around Winchester, VA then contact us without any hesitation and choose from our wide range of emergency dentistry services.

Tooth Extraction: Basic Guide & Recovery

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