Tooth extraction is a relatively common dental procedure for adults. However, it also means that there’s no permanent tooth that will grow to replace that. That is why dentists do not usually go with this option to save every patient’s natural teeth. Although an adult’s teeth should last him a lifetime, still, there are several reasons why tooth extraction is necessary.

Reasons for a tooth extraction

Dental crowding

Dental crowding, or otherwise known as malocclusion, is a dental condition that affects teeth alignment. To fix it, the dentist sometimes needs to perform a wisdom tooth extraction to prepare the patient for orthodontia. The goal of the procedure is to align a patient’s teeth to its correct position.

Tooth infection

There are times when even a root canal therapy nor antibiotics are able to cure the infection in your tooth pulp. If this happens, a tooth extraction is the only solution to prevent the disease from spreading.

Gum disease

Periodontal disease, also called as gum disease, is a viral infection of the tissues and bones that support a patient’s teeth. If the disease already caused one of the patient’s teeth to disjoint, the dentist will have to pull the tooth to prevent the risk of infection. In cases where the wisdom tooth is beyond repair, the dentist will have to perform a wisdom tooth extraction before it gets worse.

If the tooth is challenging to pull, the dentist will have to break the tooth into pieces under general anesthetics to extract it. Once the molar tooth extraction is a success, expect blood clot to form in the tooth socket. Either your dentist or your oral surgeon will apply a gauze pad to the area to manage the bleeding.

The aftercare procedure may vary depending on the type of extraction done as well as the location of the tooth. The healing process may take between 7 to 10 days. Yet, there are a few ways to help you speed up the healing time.

Basic tooth extraction aftercare

Oral hygiene

Since the surgical area is still fresh, it’s vital to keep your mouth clean all the time. Gently brush your teeth the night of the surgery especially around the surgical area. You may use salt water to rinse your mouth 24 hours after tooth extraction. Ensure to swish gently and allow the water naturally drip into the sink. You should clean your mouth at least two to three times a day, mainly after you eat.

Take a rest

It’s essential to take a rest especially on your first day after the rear tooth extraction. You need to prop your head with pillows when you lie down. Doing so will help alleviate bleeding.  Any strenuous physical activity may result in bleeding, inflammation, and even pain. You should relax for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Also limit any physical activities for at least a day to let your body recover.

Eat soft foods

You should avoid extremely hot foods to prevent any mishaps. Stick to soft foods for the meantime such as pudding or yogurt after the treatment. Then, you may gradually add solid foods to your meal as the swelling of the extracted area continues to subside. Avoid using a drinking straws for the first few days after your surgery. This is to prevent any accidents which may cause a tooth extraction infection. You should also avoid eating foods such as seeds and popcorns while you’re still recovering. Doing so prevents food debris from getting stuck in the socket areas where the dentist performed a wisdom tooth extraction.

Take painkillers

You may take the prescribed painkillers by your doctor to lift any feeling of discomfort or swollenness after the surgery. If the soreness doesn’t change within two to three days after the operation, then you may want to contact your dentist for assistance.

Once the healing process is complete, you’ll likely be able to go back to your daily activities as if nothing happened. It’s best to ask your dentist for an alternative solution to replace the pulled tooth. Various treatments such as fixed bridge, dentures or dental implants are your options after a tooth extraction in London, Ontario.