A tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that can help prevent complications and improve your oral health. However, some people have difficulty coping with the pain and swelling after having a tooth removed. While no dental procedure is completely risk-free, teeth extraction have minimal risks when performed by an experienced dentist under local or general anesthesia in a controlled environment. Practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding hard or spicy foods, applying ice packs to reduce swelling, and following your dentist’s post-tooth extraction teeth care instructions can help to ensure proper healing and recovery.

To manage pain and swelling, you can take over-the-counter or prescribed medication. It is also recommended to use cold packs, avoid rinsing or spitting, and eat soft foods.

Relieves Pain

Pain is a common side effect of tooth extraction. It can be controlled with pain medication and ice packs.

Your dentist will place a piece of gauze in the empty socket to control bleeding and encourage a blood clot to form. It’s important to avoid activities that can dislodge this clot, including vigorous rinsing, drinking through a straw, or smoking.

When your numbness wears off, take ibuprofen or another type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to help reduce inflammation and discomfort. You can also use over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol).

If you’re having trouble controlling your pain with medications, or you have severe, persistent discomfort, contact our office. This could be a sign of an infection that needs treatment.

Prevents Bacteria from Getting Into Your Mouth

Although most people have bacteria in their mouths, they are usually kept under control through routine oral hygiene. But after a tooth extraction, the area where the tooth was removes becomes more susceptible to infection because of the lack of a blood clot in the empty space. If untreated, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream and cause additional problems.

The good news is that you can minimize your chances of infection by following the dentist’s post-op instructions. These include avoiding strenuous activities, using saltwater rinses to clean the site, and brushing your teeth and tongue gently.

Infection is a serious complication, so it is important to report any new pain or discomfort right away to your dentist. In most cases, they will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. These can be taken as a single dose before the extraction or a course of medication. Infections that are left untreated can lead to sepsis, which can lower your blood pressure and cause organ failure.

Prevents Damage to Other Teeth

Severe tooth decay that cannot be treated with fillings or root canals can cause damage to the surrounding teeth and bone. Extraction is the best option to prevent further damage and infection. Gum disease is another common reason that teeth need removal, as it can destroy the supportive structures of the jaw and gums. Keeping up with your oral hygiene routine and visiting your dentist regularly can help to prevent this from happening or getting worse.

Overcrowded teeth can also lead to complications like severe pain, infections, and other issues. By removing the problematic tooth, you create space for your remaining healthy teeth and ensure that they grow properly.

Prevents Damage to Bone

A severely damaged or decayed tooth that is not repaired with a filling, root canal, or dental crown may eventually require extraction to prevent infection and further damage to neighboring teeth. Gum disease can also destroy the supporting tissues and bone that hold a tooth in place, requiring extraction to prevent the loss of additional teeth and protect adjacent ones.

After a tooth is removed, an empty socket forms in the alveolar ridge bone. Normally, this socket heals on its own by creating a blood clot that fills the gap and encourages new bone growth.

However, if a blood clot is prematurely dislodged, a condition called dry socket occurs. This exposes the underlying bone and leads to discomfort and complications like jawbone resorption.

You can avoid dry socket by using over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding activities that could disturb the blood clot (like drinking through a straw). Gently rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash two to three times per day, starting the day after surgery.