In modern times, we have access to dentists and tooth-removal tools that are both safer to use and less barbaric.
There are few things worse than a toothache. So we’ve got to give our ancestors credit for finding a workaround for the problem. They would use tools to tusk or knock out a bad tooth.
However, there is a procedure involved, and knowing what it is and why it happens will help you support your dentist when they need you to be. Let’s take a look at what happens when you have your tooth removed.
Control Bleeding
It is important that you keep pressure on the area where the tooth was removed as soon as possible. The best way to do this is to have the person bite down on gauze, or a wet tea bag, for about 20 minutes.
If the bleeding continues, a doctor may prescribe medication to control the bleeding. In some cases, stitches may also be required to help control the bleeding. Once the bleeding has been successfully controlled, it is important for the person to rest and not smoke or drink alcohol that day.
Minimize Pain
When having a tooth removed, it is important to follow instructions to reduce any pain. First, your dentist will numb the area to minimize discomfort. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, they may use injected medicine to help manage any pain and provide greater comfort.
Also, they may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent an infection. After a tooth pulled, your dentist will likely place a gauze pad over the area to control the bleeding and help with your healing. Your dentist may also suggest that you take over-the-counter pain medication or recommend a prescription strength if needed.
Reduce Swelling
When you have a tooth removed, there are a few practical steps that you can take in order to reduce swelling. First, you should apply a cold compress to the area immediately following the procedure. This should be left in place for twenty minutes at a time, up to three or four times a day.
Additionally, try to be extra conscious about what you are eating. Stick to softer, cool foods and avoid anything that can irritate the surgery site. Additionally, take any medication prescribed by your doctor. This may include antibiotics, painkillers, or anti-inflammatories.
Nerve Damage
When a tooth is removed, nerve damage may result. Nerve damage can be painful and affect a person’s ability to feel certain sensations. Possible sensations affected include the ability to feel hot and cold or sense pain and pressure in the area of removal.
Nerve damage following a tooth extraction is usually either permanent (trigeminal nerve damage) or temporary (alveolar nerve damage), depending on the location of the nerve and the extent of the damage. Permanent nerve damage can lead to impaired facial movement due to nerve injury and can cause long-term pain, numbness, and tingling on the tongue, cheek, and lip.
Slow Healing of Wounds
It is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with having a tooth removed, as it can cause slow healing of wounds. When an extraction is performed, the affected area has to heal from the trauma of having a tooth removed.
This is typically done by forming a clot to stop the bleeding. Unfortunately, clot formation can be hindered if the patient is taking medications that interfere with clot formation, such as warfarin or aspirin, or if they suffer from a bleeding disorder.
Damage to Other Teeth or Restorations
When a tooth is removed, it can cause damage to the adjacent teeth or restorations. When a tooth is extracted, oftentimes, the socket can be left with bigger-than-normal bone defects, which can damage the adjacent tooth. This can lead to degeneration of the periodontal ligament or even the pulp of the adjacent tooth.
Additionally, adjacent teeth can be affected when another restoration is placed after the removal. For example, if a bridge is put in place, the adjacent teeth can be compromised due to the additional stress and weight of the restoration.
Infection
When you have a tooth removed due to an infection, there is a risk of the infection continuing to spread outside the tooth socket or root area. As a result, the infection can spread to other parts of your mouth, jawbone, and surrounding tissue.
Additionally, the type of infection can cause the area to become inflamed and cause fever, swelling, and difficulty in swallowing. The infection can also spread to other areas of the head and neck, leading to more severe and potentially life-threatening complications.
A Crowded Mouth
When you have a tooth removed due to overcrowding, your mouth can feel much better. It can reduce the amount of crowding between teeth, help improve your bite, and make your teeth easier to clean. During the procedure, your dentist will remove any teeth that are causing overcrowding.
Afterward, your mouth will be left with more space, making it easier to properly brush and floss. Having your teeth removed because of overcrowding can also improve the appearance of your smile. In some cases, your dental implant provider will also recommend that you have braces or aligners fitted to help straighten your teeth after tooth extraction.
Nausea or Vomiting
Removing a tooth can be a painful and uncomfortable process, and it’s not uncommon for many people to experience nausea or vomiting afterward. These symptoms typically occur due to the combination of the force exerted by the dentist to remove the tooth, as well as the effects of the anesthesia.
After the anesthesia wears off, nausea and vomiting are the body’s natural responses when dealing with unexpected pain and trauma. It’s also important to note that these symptoms can be accompanied by dizziness and vertigo.
Explore What Happens When You Have a Tooth Removed
All in all, it is important to understand what will happen before, during, and after you have your tooth removed to ensure a smooth process and reduce any discomfort you may experience.
To ensure this, it is important to follow all instructions given by your dentist and take the right steps afterward. If you need help with any aspect of tooth removal, you can always reach out to your dentist.
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