Your visits to the dentist can be a bit frightening. They can be even scarier when you need to get a tooth extraction. However, getting the relevant facts before tooth extraction in Hamilton could put your mind at ease. The following are some essential facts about tooth extraction.
1. It Can Be Necessary
Even though the main reason to get a tooth extraction is to promote your oral health, certain factors could make it necessary as well. If, for example, a child is preparing to get braces, their dentist may have to extract a baby tooth that failed to fall out. You may also need an extraction after a car accident or certain diseases. In such instances, your dentist may have to extract your teeth no matter how good your oral health is. You don’t always have control over it.
2. It Isn’t Painful
Even though tooth extraction may seem like a painful procedure, it isn’t. Many patients think of it as a difficult experience filled with blood and tears. There are, however, dental institutions like these Carolinas Centers for Oral Surgery that are experts in sedation dentistry and the use of anesthesia to manage pain. They may also give you instructions to promote quick recovery and manage pain after the procedure. Tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure where the pain and discomfort tend to go away fast.
3. It Can Be Avoidable
You can avoid the need for tooth extraction by maintaining good oral hygiene. Proper brushing habits and maintaining healthy habits are good for your teeth and gum health. Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, use mouthwash, and floss regularly. Poor habits could make an extraction necessary.
4. Recovery Is Simple
After the procedure, the recovery period is short. Usually, it takes just a few days. Your dentist will give you instructions to lower the risk of infection and minimize discomfort. Some tips to promote fast recovery include:
- Take painkillers if your dentist prescribed any
- Avoid smoking as it could slow down the healing process
- Bite on the gauze pad to reduce bleeding
- Eat soft foods such as mashed potatoes and soup
- Do not drink from a straw in the first 24 hours
- Avoid forcefully spitting or rinsing your mouth
- Avoid strenuous physical activity and get enough rest for at least 24 hours after the extraction
5. It Is Safe
The process of tooth extraction is safe, and the risk of severe side effects is minimal. However, you should provide your dentist with your medical history. Let them know if you are taking any supplements or medication. You should inform them if you have the following:
- Congenital heart defect
- Liver diseases
- Impaired immune system
- Artificial joints
If your dentist has just informed you that you need a tooth extraction, you may have lots of questions about the procedure and what it entails. Asking the right questions will help you set realistic expectations. Find out how it feels, what to expect during recovery, and whether it is safe. It is an effective way of treating overcrowding teeth, periodontist, and tooth infections.