Tooth extractions are extremely common. Millions of people get a tooth extracted for various dental reasons every year. If you have to get a tooth extracted you can at least feel comfortable with the fact that the procedure is relatively simple. If the tooth is visible above the gum line then the tooth is just pulled out by grasping the visible part of the tooth called the crown. If the tooth is below the gum line then it is usually surgically removed to detach the nerves and root of the tooth from the bone in the jaw. Although permanently removing a tooth may sound extreme, there are many reasons why a tooth extraction may be necessary.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

• Severely decayed teeth
• Wisdom teeth that need to be removed
• To create space for braces or if your teeth are overcrowded

Cavities or the presence of extreme tooth decay is the most common reason why a tooth is extracted. This is to prevent further infection or inflammation to other areas of the mouth or body from the tooth.

After Your Tooth is Extracted

After your tooth has been extracted there are a couple of things you want to be sure and do.
Although the recovery time only takes a couple of days, you want to make sure and rinse with warm salt water but make sure not to swallow it. Take painkillers that your dentist has prescribed to you to ease the pain. Make sure to change the gauze in your mouth every so often before it gets soaked with blood. Rest your body and don’t do anything physically demanding. Stick to liquids on the first day and soft foods like pudding and mashed potatoes for a few days after. Don’t smoke, use a straw or lie down flat, these are all things that will prevent the area from healing properly.

If you have a tooth bothering you or in need of some dental help, contact Greenspoint Dental. Here we can take care of your general, restorative, or cosmetic dental needs.