Reasons for Tooth Extraction
There are many reasons why patients require tooth extraction in Edina. Many receive this procedure to relieve pain or in preparation for other dental procedures. Some common reasons you may need to receive a tooth extraction near you include:
- The patient has extra teeth or baby teeth that obstruct adult teeth
- The patient is receiving orthodontic treatment
- A patient has periodontal disease-causing the roots of their teeth to loosen
- Patients have tooth decay that cannot be repaired
What is a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a safe way of removing an affected tooth without having to perform major surgery. Before extracting the tooth, your dentist will take X-rays of your teeth to ensure the proper methods are performed in the procedure. A local anesthetic will then be administered to numb the area that is affected. Your dentist will loosen the tooth from the ligaments and the tissue surrounding its base. Using controlled motions, your dentist will gently extract the tooth. If a tooth is more difficult to remove, your dentist will separate the tooth into smaller pieces and then proceed to extract the tooth. Stitches may be used to close the gum edges.
Tooth extraction is performed so that your tooth’s socket can heal appropriately with little to no complications. After receiving a tooth extraction in Edina, you want to have a quick and smooth recovery. At our dental clinic near you, we prioritize our patients’ comfort before and after the procedure. Our dentist will provide post-operative instructions after a tooth extraction procedure. Following these instructions will reduce the risk of infections and chances of dry sockets. There should be no complications following the procedure; however, complications and delayed healing may occur if not cared for properly.
Do’s and Don’ts After Receiving a Tooth Extraction Near You
Receiving a tooth extraction in Edina is a safe procedure that usually involves no complications if you take good care of the wound. Here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to the recovery process.
Do’s
Rest
Resting is key to ensuring a fast and easy recovery. Even if you do not feel any pain, refraining from exercise or other activity is recommended for at least 24 hours. Keep your head slightly upright when resting to prevent the blood from pooling up in the extraction site.
Use a gauze
Putting pressure on the wound with gauze will help stop the wound from bleeding. Replace the gauze every half hour to an hour, depending on the amount of bleeding.
Ice Packs
Applying an ice pack to the side of your face will help reduce the swelling. Although swelling is not that common for simple tooth extraction, it is possible to appear a bit swollen on the side of the face where the surgery was performed. Ice packs should be applied 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for about 2-hour time periods.
Don’ts
Don’t consume solids immediately after
Eating soft and liquid foods like soup, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and yogurt is ideal for this procedure. When you begin to regain feeling in your jaws, you can slowly start consuming solids.
Avoid Aspirin
Aspirin is a blood thinner that delays the formation of clots, therefore preventing the wound from healing. Your dentist will discuss the best medication to take after tooth extraction in Edina with you.
Don’t smoke
Chemicals in a cigarette can affect the clot and increase the chances of developing a dry socket. Avoid smoking for at least 48 hours after the procedure.
If you feel any pain or signs of complications, contact our dentist in Edina as soon as possible. We will get you in to see our dentist and ensure everything is healing the right way.