Tooth Extraction Fast Facts
- You probably won’t feel pain during the surgery.
- Stick to soft foods after surgery.
- It may take two weeks to recover.
It may surprise you to know that you might need a tooth pulled even if there is no obvious sign of pain or even breakage. However, there are signs to look for so you know when a tooth extraction is necessary.
How to prepare for a dental extraction
- Ask questions! – If you have any, ask your dentist, they are the best information source.
- Complete medical history –Â Make sure your dentist knows everything.
- Anesthesia and painkillers – Ask your dentists what you’ll receive, if any.
- No eating before – To prevent nausea, avoid eating up 24 hours before surgery.
- Insurance – Make sure you know what it costs, and what your insurance covers.
- Aftercare – Organize a ride home, and preferably a close friend to escort you.
- Rest – Take the day or two off work might be a good idea to accelerate your healing.
When is dental extraction required?
Impaction & Overcrowding
Dental impaction occurs when there is overcrowding in the mouth and the teeth push up against one another. Once this starts to happen, a number of negative outcomes could occur, these could be:
- Pain or discomfort
- Swollen, bleeding gums
- Infection
Typically the reason for impaction of the teeth is wisdom teeth, also known as “third molars”. It can be very common for these teeth to grow in and cause overcrowding. Human evolution has not caught up to our modern-day needs so these teeth can be concerning. If there is impaction, the dentist will take the required steps to remove the teeth, you may be required to be sedated or have a local anesthetic.
Tooth Decay and Gum disease
If the tooth or teeth need to be extracted, it is highly recommended that the now empty space be supported with a dental appliance. This might need to be a partial, temporary; implant, or bridge, depending on the extent of the extraction(s).
Physical Trauma – chips/fractures/breaks
Think you may need a tooth pulled?
Dental Extraction Aftercare
After the surgery you may still be under the influence of the drugs used during surgery, you should make arrangements for, transportation home, and someone to escort you back. Other things that should be taken into consideration:
- Careful when brushing – Your jaw and gums will still be sensitive from the surgery.
- Eat soft foods – Stock up on a week’s worth of softer foods to assist in healing.
- Saltwater rinsing – Mix a teaspoon of salt into an 8-ounce glass of water and rinse every day until your gums are healed. Saltwater is an antiseptic meaning it can stave off infection. It can also accelerate the healing of your gums.
Who will probably feel discomfort during the healing process, but during the extraction, some form of the drug will be used to subdue the pain.
1 simple extraction at Smiles Dental Group costs $134.33. We are always below the fee guide (most dentists match it or charge more). The 2021 Alberta Dental Fee Guide recommends charging $140.21.
Every insurance provider is different, check with yours first before so you’re clear on what you’ll be charged.
Staying at home is recommended for 1-2 days after the extraction. For roughly 2 weeks you should avoid physically demanding activities, eat soft foods, and get lots of rest.
Your dentist will advise you on the best ways to recover from your extraction.
Generally, they are, ask your dentists to get more information about what they are using.
