Improving Your Dental Care

What To Expect When Getting a Tooth Removed

Are you getting ready to have a tooth removed? You may need to do this for several reasons. No matter why your dentist wants you to remove the tooth, it will usually involve surgery. If you are feeling anxious about the whole process, this is not uncommon. The thought of being in pain is hard enough, but when it involves your mouth, it is understandable that you will be apprehensive. Getting more information about what will happen before, during, and after surgery will help you to feel more positive about the experience.

Before Surgery

Your overall health will be the first topic of discussion before your surgery. The main thing your dentist will want to find out is if you have any health issues. They will also want to know if you take any medication that can thin your blood and cause you to bleed excessively during surgery. The next thing you will need to decide is the kind of anesthesia you will want to have. There are two choices, you can either be asleep or awake and numb.

During Your Surgery

The surgery can take less than half an hour or about forty-five minutes. Your dentist may have to make an incision in your gum and your bones in order to remove the tooth. After making the incision and removing the tooth, your dentist will stitch the cut. The stitches will dissolve on their own a few days after surgery. Gauze pads will be placed in your mouth to soak up any blood.

After Surgery

You may be surprised to know that it is unlikely that you will have a lot of pain after surgery. However, your dentist will still give you painkillers. You will also be prescribed an antibiotic to prevent infection. You can expect to have some swelling of the face after surgery. Use an ice pack to help reduce swelling in the face. It is not uncommon to feel discomfort up three days after your surgery. You will also need to be careful about what you eat for a few days. It is best to stick to softer foods such as soup, pasta, and bread.

Feeling confident about your surgery requires that you have information about how everything works. Once you do, you can prepare yourself mentally for what will happen. After reading the information here you should now be feeling more confident about your recovery after surgery.

For more information, contact a dentist like Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA


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