Tooth Extractions

Even with proper dental care, teeth age and can decay or break. Many damaged teeth can be repaired with fillings or crowns, but when the damage or decay is excessive, the tooth should be removed. Tooth extraction may not seem complicated, but tooth removal should only be performed during a visit to your oral surgeon because the removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

Common reasons for tooth removal include:

  • Impacted wisdom teeth
  • Severe decay
  • Serious broken or fractured teeth
  • Teeth that are poorly positioned in the mouth
  • In preparation for orthodontic treatment
Tooth Extraction

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What can I eat after tooth extraction?

It is recommended that you consume only soft foods and liquids for at least 24 hours after your tooth extraction. You can resume your normal diet after a couple of days or when you feel comfortable doing so. Remember, your food should be easy to chew for the first few days.

Eat cold food items like ice cream (without the crunchy or chewy candy pieces or nuts), yogurt, pudding, and Jell-O. Other foods you can consume include soups, applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and pancakes. Stay away from hot, sticky, and chewy foods at all costs.

How long does the pain last after tooth extraction?

This depends on a case-to-case basis. If you’ve had a simple tooth extraction, you may experience pain for one-to-three days. For complex extractions, the pain may last for a week or so. Also, sensitive patients might experience an ongoing soreness or tenderness around the site of the extraction for up to a week.

Does tooth extraction hurt?

Not really. Despite what you may have heard or imagined, you need not worry about the procedure being painful. Before the tooth is extracted, the area is numbed using an anesthetic. So, you will not feel any painful sensation.

Your anesthetist will test the area and surrounding gums before starting the procedure to ensure that the site is completely numb. When the extraction begins, you’ll experience a slight pressure and pulling sensation. Apart from this, there should be no pain.

How long does a tooth extraction take to heal?

The time it takes to heal from a tooth extraction depends on the location and the type of tooth. Your body’s natural healing abilities also have a role to play. It usually takes anywhere between one and three months for the gum tissues and bone to heal completely after an extraction.

What happens if bleeding doesn't stop after tooth extraction?

If bleeding doesn’t stop after your tooth extraction, you should bring it to the attention of your dental surgeon immediately.

Until you see the surgeon, you can control the bleeding by placing a piece of clean damp gauze above the tooth socket. Bite firmly on it for 45 – 60 minutes to apply pressure directly on the area of the tooth extraction.

You can also use a tea bag to stop the bleeding as tea contains tannic acid, which helps in the formation of blood clots. Follow the same instructions as you would with the gauze to stop the bleeding.