WHAT ARE THEY?
Quite simply, a dental extraction refers to the removal of one or more teeth due to decay, trauma, crowding, and infection.
PROCEDURE
Tooth extractions are typically performed in a dental office. To prevent pain, anesthetics are used. If the tooth is impacted, part of the gum and bone above the tooth will be cut so it can be exposed and removed.
POST-PROCEDURE
To help the area heal, these steps should be followed following tooth extraction:
- Apply an ice pack to the area for 10 minutes at a time
- Limit activity for about 48 hours after the procedure
- Eat soft foods
- Avoid drinking from a straw for the first 24 hours
- Prop your head up while sleeping to reduce bleeding
- Continue brushing and flossing but do so away from the extraction area
BENEFITS
Getting this procedure done can protect the rest of your teeth from infection or decay. Although recovery might take a few days, patients who undergo the surgery are likely to enjoy comfort afterward.
