What is tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It is usually done to remove teeth that are no longer necessary for chewing, or teeth that are causing pain or other problems. The process begins with using a dental instrument to numb the area around the tooth to be extracted and then break the bone surrounding it. The dentist then uses forceps to grasp the tooth and remove it from its socket. Finally, a suction device is used to remove blood or saliva from the patient’s mouth. Tooth extraction should only be done on teeth with caries, abscesses, or other serious conditions. In order to extract a healthy tooth that causes pain or other problems, a dental bridge or denture to replace the missing tooth may be used. The most common complication after a tooth extraction is infection in the surrounding bone. If the extracted tooth is not treated quickly, this can lead to an abscess.

How is tooth extraction performed?

Before the tooth extraction process begins, the dentist takes a dental X-ray. If you have medications that you take regularly, you should share them with your dentist before the dental X-ray. These drugs include prescription or over-the-counter drugs, such as vitamins. In addition, if you have one of the following conditions, it is important for your health to consult your dentist.

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Kidney diseases
• Liver disease
• Thyroid
• Heart ailments
• Weak immune system
• Damaged heart valves
• Artificial joint

Your dentist may want you to take antibiotics whenever he sees fit to make sure the extraction will take place completely safely. Conditions that may require antibiotics are generally as follows:

• Infection
• Low immune system
• A medical condition
• The probability of the process taking a long time

What should I pay attention to before tooth extraction?

It is of great importance to pay attention to the following recommendations for a quality tooth extraction treatment.

• Do not smoke before tooth extraction.
• Do not eat or drink for about six hours before your appointment.
• Inform your dentist if you have a cold, in case you make a second appointment.
• If anesthesia is to be performed, have someone accompanying you.

How should the care after tooth extraction be?

Although the care to be applied after tooth extraction usually varies according to the type of extraction and the location of the tooth, recovery may take 7 days. The care to be applied after tooth extraction is as follows:

• In case of pain, take the pain relievers prescribed by your dentist as prescribed.
• Do not remove the gauze placed after tooth extraction for as long as your dentist tells you.
• After tooth extraction surgery, rest for 24 hours and take a break from some activities for a few days.
• Do not smoke.
• Keep dental care and don’t forget to floss, but be mindful of the extraction site to avoid infection.

What foods can I eat after tooth extraction?

You can only consume soft foods for a week after tooth extraction. The suitable foods include:

• Yogurt
• Soup
• Pudding
• Puree
• Smoothie

ABAY DENTAL CENTER provides detailed information to its patients about the program that should be applied before and after tooth extraction with its specialist dentists.