Once associated in bygone days with having the end of a piece of string tied around your tooth and then having the other end attached to a door that is slammed, (not recommended!), dental extractions are a standard procedure that we perform in our surgery.
But if you are due to have a tooth removed, you are likely to have a few questions for our team.
At the Dentist on Glasgow, we know all there is to know about oral extractions and our general dentist for Whanganui New Zealand will be able to answer any questions that you may have about this procedure. We can also offer you advice on aftercare and, if the extraction was due to decay, how to prevent further similar actions from being needed.
Here, our general dentist for Whanganui New Zealand answers some of the most common queries that we get about having teeth removed, so read on for more information.
Does having a tooth removed hurt?
In short, no.
Our general dentist for Whanganui New Zealand will be sure to numb the area with a local anaesthetic before beginning the extraction, so you shouldn’t feel a thing. If at any point you do, please tell us and we apply more anaesthetic.
Post-extraction, there is likely to be some soreness and swelling around the extraction site; this is normal. But if the discomfort fails to subside after 48 hours or seems to be worsening, please let us know!
Will I need stitches?
Many variables go into something as seemingly simple as pulling a tooth; one of them is the technique that our team will use.
If you have a more complex case of decay, then we may have to use more tools to remove the tooth, which may result in stitches being required. In such instances, we should use dissolvable stitches, so you can oversee the recovery at home.
In short, you will need to talk to our team for information about whether you will have to have stitches after you have had an oral extraction.
How long is the recovery?
This will depend on where the tooth/ teeth were located, your general health, your diet and your age.
However, post-extraction, the site should have generally healed within 7-10 days. To speed up the healing process, refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol and, as hard as it may be, try to not disturb the extraction site with your tongue.
I’ve read there are different types of extraction; is that true?
Yes; as we mentioned before, the type we use will depend on the tooth that is being extracted and other factors such as the tooth itself (wisdom teeth for instance generally require surgical extractions).
For healthy teeth that may be being removed for orthodontic work, we may use a simple extraction, which is very straightforward and involves minimal tool use. For more complex cases involving decayed, broken or complicated root systems, we may have to use tools that are used in a surgical extraction.
How do I prevent dry socket?
A dry socket occurs when a blood clot fails to form in the socket post-extraction.
To prevent this, avoid disturbing the site, avoid using straws, tobacco, alcohol and refrain from brushing the site until it has healed.
If you have concerns about dry socket following an extraction, call our team.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.