Tooth extraction is a standard dental procedure where a tooth is removed from its socket in the bone. While having a tooth extracted may seem scary, understanding what to expect and how to care for your mouth afterwards can make the experience less stressful. Whether it’s the extraction of a damaged tooth or a wisdom tooth removal, this guide will walk you through the process and the essential steps for dental extraction aftercare.
Tooth Extraction in Singapore: Reasons Why You May Need Dental Extraction
There are several reasons why tooth extraction may be necessary. Common causes include severe tooth decay, infection, and overcrowding.
In particular, wisdom tooth removal is frequently performed because these teeth often have no room to grow properly and can lead to pain, infection, and other dental problems.
Other reasons include teeth that are too damaged to be repaired or preparing for orthodontic treatment (e.g., braces) to better align the teeth.
What to Expect Before and During Tooth Extraction in Singapore
Before a tooth extraction in Singapore, your dentist or oral surgeon will thoroughly review your medical history. If necessary, such as wisdom tooth removal, they may take X-rays to understand the shape and position of the tooth in relation to the surrounding nerve and bone.
The area around your tooth will be numbed with local anaesthesia to minimize discomfort during the extraction. The steps of the procedure itself can vary depending on your particular condition. Simple extractions are performed on teeth visible in the mouth and are usually quick. In contrast, surgical extractions (e.g. impacted wisdom tooth removal) involve making an incision into your gum to remove a tooth that has not yet broken through the gum or is still hidden under the gums.
Throughout the process, your dentist will use specialized tools to dissect the tooth and gently rock the tooth back and forth until it is disengaged and loose enough to be removed.
Dental Extraction Aftercare
Proper aftercare for dental extraction or oral surgery (ie. wisdom tooth removal) is crucial to promote healing and avoid complications such as infection. It is essential to rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 hours to help form a stable clot in the extraction site. Also, do not smoke or drink alcohol in the first 24 hours. Here are a few critical tips for dental extraction aftercare:
- Blood Clot Maintenance: Keep the gauze pad over the extraction site and bite down firmly to reduce bleeding and encourage a clot to form. Avoid disturbing the clot once it’s formed like persistent rinsing or touching the area with your tongue or finger.
- Pain Management: To reduce swelling, apply ice packs to the cheek for the first few hours after the extraction. As directed by your dentist, you can also use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Eating Habits: Eat soft foods like yoghurt, soup, and porridge after the procedure and the day after the procedure. Try to avoid slurping, sucking, and drinking from a straw while eating as the action may dislodge the forming blood clot that’s important for healing. Gradually reintroduce harder foods as the extraction site heals.
- Oral Hygiene: To protect the clot, avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully for 24 hours after the extraction. After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water or a prescribed mouthrinse several times daily to reduce swelling and soothe the area.
Following these guidelines can significantly aid in your recovery and ensure that your extraction wound heals properly without any complications.
Key Takeaways
Tooth extraction in Singapore is a standard procedure to alleviate pain and prevent further dental complications. The key to a smooth recovery is understanding what to expect during the extraction and following through with effective dental extraction aftercare. Managing pain, maintaining oral hygiene, and adjusting your diet immediately following your procedure are essential to ensure a quick and successful recovery. Remember, tooth care doesn’t stop after the extraction; maintaining good oral health beyond extraction is necessary for your overall dental well-being.
References:
After a Tooth Extraction: Caring for Your Mouth, https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/after-tooth-extraction-caring-your-mouth
What to do following an extraction, https://www.dentalhealth.org/what-to-do-following-an-extraction
Tooth extraction, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tooth-extraction
