Periodontal Oral or Gum Surgery Birmingham, AL
Tooth Extractions
Dr. Maddux Discusses Tooth Extractions and What You Can Expect
Reasons for A Tooth Extraction
Tooth decay or an abscessed tooth
A common occurrence for some patients is when a tooth has suffered from decay. In this case, the tooth may have a cavity or become an abscessed tooth. This type of damage to the tooth is typically repaired with a dental filling or crown. However, sometimes the tooth is irreparable and will need to be removed entirely.
Extra teeth
Sometimes teeth are extracted if there are too many in the mouth, causing crowding. Crowding can push other teeth into different positions, leaving them more susceptible to gum irritation and tooth decay. You might also have extra teeth removed if you are about to undergo orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign, and need to make room for your new smile.
Radiation
Patients undergoing radiation will sometimes have teeth removed if they are in the path of radiation. This is especially true if radiation is taking place in the head and neck region.
Infection
Certain teeth may be extracted if they’re at risk for infection. This can happen if a patient is undergoing drug treatment for cancer, as the drugs can lower one’s immune system. This is also true for patients that have undergone an organ transplant.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are commonly removed for many patients. Typically it’s more than just one wisdom tooth, and may require anesthesia to undergo the full surgical extraction process. Wisdom teeth don’t always full grow in and lay below the gum line, causing gums to swell or infections to occur. Eventually, Dr. Maddux might recommend extraction altogether.
Dr. Maddux Discusses Tooth Extractions and What You Can Expect
Preparing for
Tooth Extraction
Dr. Maddux will determine if the tooth extraction is simple or surgical. He may want to take an X-ray to have a full look of how your teeth are impacting one another. Be sure to provide a full medical history to us, as we want to be aware of any pre-existing conditions that can impact the surgery, or any reactions you may have to medications.
Sometimes we may prescribe you antibiotics before undergoing a surgical extraction, especially if your body is particularly prone to infections from a lowered immune system. Other specific medical histories and needs might require you to take antibiotics before and after the tooth extraction. If your body has a very low immune system, like you’ve just gotten over a cold or flu advise Dr. Maddux, as he will be more knowledgeable on how you may recover after the tooth extraction.
Be sure you have someone that can take you home after the surgery. You may be coming off the anesthesia or on other medication that can inhibit your ability to drive. You should arrange this before having the surgery, as it will be helpful to have someone with you to explain any further after care instructions that came about during your surgery.
You can expect recovery from your tooth extraction to take a few days. You may feel a bit drowsy immediately following your tooth extraction surgery as the medication wears off. You’ll want to follow with a good amount of bedrest to allow your body time to heal. To ease some discomfort, you can take over the counter painkillers. Once a tooth has been pulled, Dr. Maddux will most likely place gauze in your mouth and apply pressure to stop any bleeding. When you get home, be sure to change your gauze frequently until the bleeding has stopped. You can apply pressure by biting down firmly. Don’t irritate this region too much, as you’ll want the blood clot to form.
Swelling is normal and it’s not uncommon you find yourself with inflamed cheeks. You can apply an ice pack to the affected area to keep swelling down. Try not to spit with the force you normally would for at least 24 hours. You’ll need to keep movement in your mouth to a minimum to avoid removing the blood clot. This will also include refraining from drinking out of a straw for at least 24 hours.
You’ll want to keep your mouth as clean as you possibly can while it’s healing. Try consuming soft foods like soup, yogurt, or applesauce after your surgery. Afterwards, you should be rinsing your mouth with a salt water solution throughout the day. If you smoke, you shouldn’t smoke for at least 72 hours to keep your mouth free of bacteria or toxins that can create an infection. If the wound gets infected it can create dry socket, a very painful infection. You can and are recommended to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would, just being careful where the tooth extraction took place.
After Your Tooth Extraction
