Preparing for a tooth extraction

Dentist Blog

There are many reasons to visit a dental clinic, but none provoke as much anxiety as having a tooth removed. An understanding of the procedure will go a long way towards easing your mind, so read on to learn exactly what to expect.

Why does my tooth have to go?

There are many reasons to have a tooth taken out, among them:

  • Your tooth is impacted, meaning that it has grown crooked or become blocked by other teeth and can't find its way out of your gum.

  • Your tooth is growing diagonally, causing you pain as it pushes against your other teeth.

  • Your mouth is already overcrowded and there is no room for teeth that emerge later, such as your wisdom teeth.

  • Gum disease or cavities in your tooth has made it necessary to have it removed.

  • Your tooth has been damaged in an accident and it can't be repaired, or you've opted for removal.

What will happen before my tooth extraction?

Your dentist will meet you at the dental clinic before your tooth is removed to explain what you can expect during the procedure, to record your relevant medical history and any medication you regularly take, and to answer any questions you have.

Your dentist will also discuss your options in terms of anaesthesia.

Anaesthesia for tooth removal

There are three types of anaesthesia that may be used in a surgical tooth extraction:

  • Local anaesthesia. This is delivered via an injection into the gum. A local anaesthetic numbs only the area directly around the affected tooth. You won't experience any pain during the extraction but you will feel pressure as your dentist goes to work.

  • Sedative anaesthesia. When you opt for a sedative, the anaesthetic will calm you and remove all pain, although your memory of the event will be a little foggy.

  • General anaesthesia. Delivered via a breathing mask, a general anaesthetic will ensure you sleep throughout the procedure. While a general anaesthetic will remove all pain, experience and memory of the surgery, because it puts your entire body to sleep it requires the longest recovery time of all forms of anaesthetic.

What will happen during the procedure?

Your dentist will remove your tooth, then stitch the wound, packing gauze around the area to assist your mouth in healing and to soak up any blood that may continue to flow for a short time after the extraction. The entire procedure will be over within two hours, sometimes much sooner, and within a week your stitches will have dissolved and the episode will be a thing of the past.

Remember, dentists are professionals very used to conducting tooth extractions and from the moment you walk into the dental clinic you can rest assured you are in good hands. Before you know it your procedure will be over and you'll be feeling fine in no time. For more information, contact companies like Care Dental.

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21 February 2018

Dental Care and Seniors: Helping to Maintain Your Smile

As you age, it can become harder to take care of your teeth. Motor challenges can make it hard to floss, while memory issues may make it easy to overlook brushing. Whether you are a senior looking for solutions to some of the common dental problems or a senior with specific questions about cavities or oral surgery, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to touch on a range of topics related to seniors and oral health. This is the type of resource I wish my mum would have had access to in her senior years, and I hope you enjoy having access to it during yours. I appreciate you reading my posts.