Tooth extraction: Procedure and aftercare
Teeth may be taken out of the mouth for several reasons. Your dentist may advise extraction if your tooth is badly broken down beyond repair. An extraction may also be indicated to create space for teeth to be properly aligned. It is advised that you have a snack or meal before the procedure. If there is any medication that you take every day, you should take it before the procedure. Let the dentist know if you have any chronic illness or if you have had a complicated extraction in the past.
The procedure
To make sure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure, your dentist will give you an injection to numb the area. This local anesthetic works on the nerves that make you feel pain. You will still have some sensation in the area but you will not feel any pain. Once the dentist is certain the area is numb, the tooth will be taken out using special instruments. It is important to remain calm throughout the procedure and not make any sudden movements. If you want to get the dentist’s attention, you may raise your hand. Throughout the procedure you will feel the dentist working, if you start feeling any pain, let the dentist know. After the tooth is removed, your dentist will place gauze over the extraction site and ask you to bite down firmly.
Aftercare
To ensure a smooth recovery, there are some instructions that must be followed.
For the first 24hrs:
- Keep biting on the gauze for 30 minutes. After that, you may take the gauze out and observe the extraction area. If it is still bleeding, bite on additional fresh gauze for approximately 30 more minutes. If bleeding is not controlled under an hour, rush to a nearby clinic.
- Do not spit, smoke, drink through a straw, or rinse your mouth. Don’t brush your teeth that night
- Keep your fingers and tongue away from the area.
- The feeling of numbness should wear off before you drink or chew. Your diet should consist mainly of soft, easily swallowed foods and cool drinks. Avoid anything that might get stuck in your teeth, so no seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, or similar foods.
- You may take your medication at this point
After 24 hours:
- Rinse the area with warm salt water, 6 times a day for a week (Mix a level teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, about 500mls.). You may also begin regular brushing and flossing.
- Avoid strenuous activity and do not exercise for at least 3–4 days after surgery.
- Avoid smoking for at least 5 days after treatment.
You will be given an appointment to return to the clinic for a post-operative check before you are discharged. This will usually be about 1 – 2 weeks after the procedure. Recovery usually takes a few days if all the instructions are followed carefully.
