Although we strive to preserve teeth, in some cases it may be necessary to remove a tooth. The need for tooth removal may be due to:
- Severe gum disease, affecting the supporting bone structure and tissues
- Tooth decay, infection or fracture beyond repair
- Referral by your orthodontist. Because there is not enough space
- Lack of space for your wisdom teeth at the back of your mouth or infection
Antibiotics may offer temporary relief from symptoms (pain and swelling) but tooth removal is often the only solution for permanent relief of symptoms.
Why should the tooth be surgically removed?
Some teeth can easily be extracted and this takes quite a short time. Other times, a surgical procedure may be necessary to avoid damage to bone and neighboring teeth. Surgical removal is often associated with a broken tooth, a weakened tooth with a large cavity in it, a root canal treated tooth and a crooked wisdom tooth.
The dentist prefers to remove the tooth by an atraumatic surgical procedure to minimize bone loss and ensure the possibility of placing implants immediately after or later if this is a part of the treatment plan.
After tooth removal
When getting a tooth removed, be careful in the time after. The anesthetic works for a few hours after the procedure, so be careful about eating and drinking, and be careful not to bite yourself in kind or tongue.
Pain: When the anesthesia subsides, pain and tenderness will occur. Therefore, feel free to take some painkiller before the anesthesia stops working. Subsequently, you can take 1-2 pills 3-4 times a day if you feel pain. If you experience persistent or increasing pain, you should contact the dentist.
Swelling: You will experience swelling in the cheeks and the gums. You can remedy this with a cold ice pack. If the swelling continues to grow three days after the procedure, call.
Rest the wound: Even if you have been stitched, take care of the wound. Preferably avoid being physically active the first 24 hours after the procedure as it will increase blood pressure and bleeding. Sleep with your head high for the first 24 hours. Do not touch the wound with your fingers or your tongue.
Eating: The first day after the surgery you should eat cold, soft or liquid food. You have to eat on the opposite side so the wound is spared. Stay away from hard food elements.
Toothbrushing: You need to brush your teeth as you normally do, but do not touch the wound.
Mouthwash: Do not rinse the mouth within the first to hours. It may interferes with the wound and healing. The day after and onwards, you can rinse with chlorhexidine 0.12% from the pharmacy or Matas.
Smoking and alcohol: Smoking generally delays the healing process. Alcohol should be avoided from day one. It will increase the blood supply to the wound and you may risk post-bleeding.
Bleeding: Some blood may leak from the wound the first day. It is completely normal but can look scary when mixed with saliva. If there is a regular bleeding, you can stop it by placing some cotton wool on the wound and press or bite together for half an hour. Repeat until it stops. If the bleeding does not stop, contact us, your own doctor or visit the emergency center.
After the treatment: If you have been sewn, the sutures should be removed about 10 days after.