What Are Toothaches & Tooth Extraction
The reason you need a professional to remove your tooth is probably due to the pain it is causing. A toothache usually begins at the surface and usually indicates a problem with the root of the tooth. If you do not experience pain on the surface, you probably do not need a tooth extraction, but if the pain is widespread and you suspect a root issue, a professional extraction is recommended.
If the tooth has been extracted, you may experience some swollen gums after the procedure. You may want to keep a warm towel over the area as this will reduce swelling. Avoid sucking on the site, as this will encourage bleeding and delay healing. It is equally important to keep the surrounding area clean, too. It may seem dramatic, but there is usually only a tiny amount of blood mixed with the saliva.
There are many different causes of toothache. These include decay, malposition, and impaction. Sometimes, it is simply due to overcrowding, which requires a visit to oral surgery. Wisdom teeth can cause excessive pain, especially when they come in because they place extra pressure on the rest of the teeth and jawbones. It can be very painful, so it's important to seek a dentist right away.
Sometimes, extraction is advised for a variety of reasons. Toothaches can be caused by a muscular problem, or a referred pain from the jaw joint. In these cases, your dentist may recommend a root canal procedure or a filling instead. The best course of treatment is often a combination of dental care and root canal treatment. But in some cases, removing the severe damage may be the best option.
Aftercare Tooth Extraction
- Applying firm pressure to the extraction site
After tooth extraction, you will most likely experience bleeding, which is normal for several days. Keeping a firm pressure on the extraction site will help control the bleeding, and you should do it for as long as your doctor instructs. You may experience light bleeding for a few days after the procedure, but heavy bleeding is something that needs to be discussed with your doctor.
- Rest
After extraction, you should rest. A family member or friend should drive you home. The site of the extraction will be numb for several hours, and a dentist may prescribe pain medication to control any discomfort. If your bleeding does not stop within 24 hours, you should notify your dentist immediately. Do not lie flat while undergoing the procedure, because this will prolong the bleeding and cause further pain. Prop your head on a pillow while you are unable to sleep will help.
- Avoiding solid foods
After having your tooth extracted, you should avoid eating any solid foods for about 24 hours. Soft foods such as ice cream and pudding are ideal for this time, but you should avoid any hard or spicy foods. It is best to avoid straws after having dental surgery, since the suction can dislodge the clot, causing bleeding and discomfort. Moreover, using a straw can aggravate the wound, causing further bleeding and delay the healing process.
- Avoid Alcohol
Although drinking alcohol isn't strictly forbidden, it is highly recommended that you avoid it after tooth extraction. If you're on pain medication, alcohol can interact with the medicine you're taking, increasing the risk of infection, dry socket, and liver damage. It's also important to avoid mixing alcohol with painkillers. Your dentist or surgeon should discuss your treatment options with you so you can avoid any complications. For more information, read the labels carefully and speak to your doctor or dentist.
- Avoiding strenuous activity
After a tooth extraction, you should avoid vigorous activity. Especially heavy lifting is not recommended as it can dislodge blood clots and lead to bleeding. To help you heal properly, keep your head elevated on a pillow while sleeping. Avoid eating spicy food or ice cream for several days and avoid chewing gum for at least a week after a tooth extraction. A healthy diet is also crucial for your healing and will promote cell renewal. Eat plenty of soft, non-starchy, and water-based foods.9
If your pain is caused by an infection, you can try using clove oil as a home remedy. Garlic contains allicin, an antimicrobial that can kill bacteria. While it may not be effective for an infected tooth, it can be beneficial in relieving pain caused by the damaged tooth. Afterward, you should brush your mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash for a few days to promote healing.
Afterward, your dentist will place a temporary crown. Afterward, you can continue your daily activities. Occasionally, you will experience pain for up to a day after the procedure. This is normal, but you should make sure you are not experiencing severe pain. It may be a symptom of a serious condition. If you think your tooth is loose or infected, contact your dentist right away to schedule a consultation.