How Long Can You Expect To Recover From a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction could be the only solution to a dental condition in some circumstances. Permanent teeth are supposed to last throughout an entire lifetime but there are situations that might not make it possible. One of the common reasons for extraction is a badly damaged tooth. It could be a trauma or decay. That’s why it’s always recommended to visit the dentist regularly so that potential issues are identified early before getting out of hand. Here are some of the reasons why a tooth extraction might be necessary.

Crowded Teeth

A dentist might decide to pull out your teeth in preparation for orthodontia. This is done to ensure that the teeth are properly aligned. This might be challenging when the teeth aren’t rightly sized for your mouth. The only option would be to recommend pulling if the tooth can’t break through the mouth.

Risk of Infection

A compromised immune system could lead to all sorts of health problems. You could be receiving chemotherapy treatment and there is an infected tooth. Instead of comprising your oral health, pulling out the tooth might be seen as the best solution under such circumstances. You need to make sure that you’re going to a reputable clinic like DentalX dental clinic so that there are no complications down the road.

What Should You Expect?

Tooth extractions can be painful. This is especially true if it has been caused by an infection. The dentist will start the procedure by giving a patient an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. Depending on the level of pain, the dentist can also decide on using a general anesthetic. For impacted teeth, the dentist will also cut away the gums and tissues that have been affected. The tooth might be hard to pull and will have to be removed in pieces which can take longer.

A blood clot will start forming around the tooth socket once it has been pulled out. It’s possible the dentist will use self-absorbing stitches in order to close down the stitches.

What Should You Tell The Dentist Before The Extraction?

Pulling out a tooth is relatively safe but there is always the risk of the bloodstream being exposed to bacteria. You could be having a condition that puts you at a higher risk of developing an infection. Your dentist needs to know of such information so that they can recommend the right antibiotics to mitigate the risks. A good dentist will have gone through your medical history and will know what needs to be done before and after the tooth extraction. The information that you also provide can also aid with the recovery process. You don’t want to take more time than you should as such a procedure will be associated with discomfort and inconveniences.

After The Extraction

The doctor will prescribe painkillers to help manage pain. It should take a few days before you recover from the procedure. To keep swelling away, it’s usually recommended to apply ice on the affected area. You should limit activities for at least two days after the procedure to provide ample time for recovery. Smoking and drinking from straws are highly discouraged as they could inhibit the healing process.

When Should You Call a Dentist After an Extraction?

It’s perfectly normal to feel pain in the first 24 hours after having a tooth pulled out. The pain should subside as the days go by. Even if you’re experiencing severe pain and bleeding after a day, going back to the dentist shouldn’t be an option but mandatory. Some of the signs you need to watch out for include:

  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Signs of infection
  • Chest pain and shortness of breath
  • Redness and swelling

The healing period should take around two weeks. This time frame allows for new gums and tissues to develop. You don’t want to wait for too long before you can find a solution to the missing tooth as it could make the surrounding teeth weaker. A good dentist should be able to advise on a solution for the missing teeth as soon as the extraction is done.

To Conclude

It shouldn’t take more than two weeks before recovering from a tooth extraction. There are some people that will heal faster while it could take a longer time for others. Make sure to reach out to your dentist if you notice something unusual. You should also ensure that you’re seeking treatment from an experienced dentist if the procedure is to go well.  If you need a recommendation, you can always get dental care by the dentist in santa monica.