Dental Extraction Procedure and Aftercare Tips

Tooth extraction is a procedure where a tooth is completely removed from its socket by a dental surgeon. There are cases where dentists do this to create space for dental braces or prosthetics. A dental specialist will perform the extraction and then instruct the patient on some methods for caring for the area as it heals.

Reasons for Teeth Extraction

1. The presence of a dental abscess that weakens the tooth’s roots
2. Crowding of teeth
3. Teeth infected by tooth decay or periodontal illness to the degree that they can’t be treated with a dental filling, crown, or root canal work
4. An injury that has prompted a messed up or broken tooth such that it becomes impossible to restore it

Dental Extraction Instruments Used by Dental Specialists

When you visit the Dental Care of Boca Raton for dental extractions near you, our dental specialist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area before taking the tooth off.

There are two basic categories involved in pulling a tooth: simple teeth extraction and surgical teeth extraction.

The extraction procedure is done using a variety of dental extraction instruments. All these tools serve a unique purpose in ensuring your tooth removal procedure goes as smoothly as possible. They include:

• Cotton rolls
• Gauze
• Anesthesia needle
• Surgical curette
• Forceps
• Syringe
• Mirror
• Small elevator and large elevator
• Scalpels

Aftercare Measures used In Teeth Extraction

According to Dr. David B. Kagan, an endodontist in Boca Raton, 33434, one of the most crucial aftercare activities is taking care of the clot that forms after the extraction procedure. Other dental extraction aftercare tips you can adopt are:

1. 1. Taking soft foods

After teeth extraction, stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes or liquids like soup and smoothies until the numbness fades.

1. 1. Use ice packs

When a tooth is extracted, some people experience mild swelling in the area. Applying ice helps reduce the swelling.

1. 1. Avoid poking the extraction area

Disturbing the area may lengthen the blood clotting period leading to slowed healing of the site.

1. 1. Warm rinses

Adding salt to a glass of water and rinsing the area will help keep the extraction site clean. It is advisable to avoid brushing or using dental floss after extraction.

1. 1. Avoid using a straw

This is because a straw applies pressure to the healing tooth and may damage the clotting process.

1. 1. Avoid smoking

Smoking is discouraged, especially in the first 48 hrs after the extraction process. The chemicals found in cigarette smoke may interfere with the clotting process and lead to dry sockets days after the surgery.