Extractions

“An aching tooth is better out than in, to lose a rotting member is a gain”

Sometimes a tooth is so damaged or decayed that it cannot be repaired or saved. Your dentist may suggest the best option is to take the tooth out because an infected tooth could cause an infection at distance and affect the general health. It is very important at that stage to mention any medical conditions, allergies or recent surgery, as well as any medicines taken. The procedure always starts with a local anesthetic. This completely blocks pain from the gums although some pressure could be felt. Subsequently, the tooth socket is being widened & the tooth is rocked side-to-side until it is loose enough to be pulled out. Some patients could be anxious about the surgery; therefore some oral sedatives could be prescribed beforehand in order to relieve from anxiety & make them feel more relaxed during the operation.

Hemorrhage is expected after the extraction and your dentist will give you a piece of soft padding to bite on to stop it. You will be able to go home once the bleeding has stopped and the dental nurse has given you some advice and recommendations to follow carefully.

• Don’t rinse your mouth out for at least 24 hours. This is because it could disturb any blood clot that may have formed and you may start bleeding again. After that, rinse gently with a salt-water mouthwash. You can make up a salt-water rinse by dissolving a teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water. Using this salt-water rinse twice a day should help to keep the area clean. Hold the rinse in your mouth for a couple of minutes before spitting it out each time.
• When you feel ready to eat, start with sips of warm soft or pureed food that you don’t need to chew. Don’t eat on the side where you had your tooth removed.
• If your gum bleeds, bite down on a clean pad of material such as a clean handkerchief for at least 15 minutes.
• Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours and don’t smoke for as long as possible – at least 24 hours.
If needed be, a follow-up appointment could be given where the healing process will be checked.

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