What Is the Tooth Extraction Process?

Are you about to get a tooth extracted? Are you nervous about the upcoming process?

While tooth extraction may seem like a big deal, millions of tooth extractions are performed every year. Learning about the tooth extraction process will likely help calm some of your nerves. 

What should you prepare for?

Read on to learn everything you need to know about getting a tooth extraction. 

Preparing for the Tooth Extraction 

Prior to your tooth extraction, you’ll have a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. During this appointment, you’ll go through your medical history and discuss any medications you’re on. 

In the days leading up to the procedure, you may need to stop taking certain medications. For example, many people need to stop taking blood thinners, as these can cause more bleeding during surgery. Typically, bleeding is controlled at the extraction site by:

• Using a topical medication to clot the gums
• Stitching up the extraction area
• Packing the tooth socket with dissolvable gauze and foaming

Applying pressure to the affected area with gauze can also help stop the bleeding. In order to figure out if you need to go off your blood-thinning medications or switch to a different one before surgery, you’ll likely need to get ahold of some recent blood tests. 

Most people don’t need to stop taking blood thinners before surgery, but you should always check just in case. 

In some cases, people need to take antibiotics before surgery. Taking antibiotics can help treat dental infections with widespread symptoms. 

The Procedure 

Before the tooth extraction begins, your surgeon will first take an X-ray of your tooth. Then, they’ll numb the area with a local anesthetic. To minimize anxiety, you can also request a sedative medication or extra anesthetic. 

Your dentist may offer you an IV, nitrous oxide, or oral sedative medication. There’s a chance that the dentist will need to cut away some of your gum if your tooth is really wedged in there. 

While this sounds painful, keep in mind that you won’t feel anything because of the anesthetic. At worst, you’ll feel some pressure in your mouth. 

Once your dentist extracts your tooth, they may stitch up the affected area to control the bleeding. 

Aftercare 

While a tooth extraction can cause some post-procedure discomfort, there are some aftercare tips you can follow to make things easier on you. These tips are important especially if you are following a procedure to get your crown fitted by the Dentist in orlando FL after the extraction.

The most important thing to remember is to change your gauze pads every 20 to 30 minutes. Typically, you’ll need to do this for one to two days following surgery. You may also want to take some ibuprofen to alleviate the pain and inflammation. 

You’ll also need to avoid doing certain things that can slow down the healing process. These things include:

• Spitting
• Using a straw
• Touching the extraction site with your tongue
• Eating crunchy, solid foods
• Vigorously rinsing your mouth

You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. 

Are You Ready for the Tooth Extraction Process? 

Now that you know more about the tooth extraction process, you’ll be better prepared for your appointment. Pretty soon, your mouth will be healed, you’ll have a new tooth in, and your smile will be back to normal. 

Be sure to check back in with our blog for more oral health news and tips.