What Are the Common Complications After Tooth Extractions and How to Avoid Them?
Tooth extraction is a standard dental procedure to remove infected, decaying, crowded or impacted teeth. Even though the operation is safe, complications can arise if it’s not done correctly or if the patient ignores aftercare tips provided by their dentist. We will be addressing common complications related that may occur after tooth removal and ways of avoiding them. This may become helpful in the unfortunate event that you find yourself in a similar situation.
What Is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a procedure do the removal of a severely damaged, infected or impacted tooth. Its performed by an oral surgeon or dentist in 77036 and may or may not involve surgery. You don’t have to worry about dental pain during treatment since it will be done after you’ve been sedated or administered with local anesthesia.
How Tooth Extraction Is Carried Out
There are types of tooth extraction, that is:
Simple Tooth Extraction: it involves the removal of an infected or damaged tooth by loosening the tooth from its socket. The process doesn’t involve surgery and can only be performed when the damaged tooth is clearly visible and accessible.
Surgical Tooth Extraction: it’s more complex than a simple tooth extraction. It involves making an incision on the gums to enable the dentist to access an impacted tooth. Unlike a simple tooth extraction, the tooth is usually removed in bits and not while whole.
That being said, there are general steps involved in a tooth extraction procedure, regardless of whether it’s a simple or surgical extraction. Here is what to expect when going for tooth extractions in Houston, TX:
Dental Examination
Your dentist in 77036 will start by conducting a dental exam to inspect the damaged tooth and surrounding area. This may involve using xrays to get a better view of the tooth, especially if it’s impacted. Your dentist will use the information they gather during this stage to plan for treatment.
Numbing of the Tooth Removal Site
After you’ve been approved for tooth extraction, your dentist will prepare you for treatment by using local anesthesia to numb the area surrounding the damaged or impacted tooth. This is done to make you comfortable during treatment and prevent dental pain. You may have to be sedated if you have dental anxiety.
Loosening of the Tooth
After successfully numbing the area, your dentist will use a dental elevator, forceps or other dental tools to carry out a simple tooth extraction. They will use the tools to grab the damaged tooth and rock it back and forth till it loosens and detaches from its socket and surrounding tissues.
Removal of the Damaged/ Impacted Tooth
Once the tooth loosens from its socket, it will have to be gently extracted. Using forceps, your dentist will pull the tooth out and dispose of it. Sometimes, your tooth may have to be surgically removed if impacted or broken from the inside.
Cleaning and Stitching the Wound
Upon successfully removing the tooth, your dentist will clean and stitch the wound to reduce the chances of infection. They’ll then place a sterile gauze over the wound and ask you to bite down gently. This will reduce bleeding and help form a blood clot which will promote healing. Before you leave, your dentist will prescribe medicine to take during recovery and give you aftercare tips to follow.
Different Common Complications After Tooth Extractions
Dry socket: it occurs when the wound’s blood clot dislodges, exposing the bone and nerves underneath. This may cause you to experience severe dental pain and bad breath.
Infection: your wound may become infected if exposed to bacteria. This will cause the wound to swell and become inflamed, causing dental pain and, in some cases, a fever.
Excessive Bleeding: bleeding is normal after tooth removal; however, excess, prolonged bleeding may be a sign of complications.
Dental Pain and Swelling: dental pain and swelling are common after tooth removal. Fortunately, it is easy to manage so long as you aren’t experiencing any other alarming symptoms.
Nerve Damage: Although rare, some patients may experience nerve damage after tooth removal resulting in a numb, tingling sensation in the tongue, lips or chin.
How to Avoid Them and Take Aftercare of It
Don’t smoke or use tobacco products after tooth removal since it can slow down the blood clotting process and cause dry sockets. Also, avoid rinsing and spitting vigorously during the first 24 hours after tooth removal since it may cause the blood clot to come off. Stick to a soft food diet, and don’t eat anything that’s too hot.
To reduce the risks of infection, ensure you take antibiotics as prescribed by your dentist. It’s also crucial to practice good dental hygiene by using a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth and areas around the wound gently. Rinse your mouth multiple times with warm salt water to clean the wound and prevent bacteria accumulation.
Gently bite down on a gauze pad placed on your tooth extraction wound for 30-45 minutes. Keep replacing the gauze pad with a new one and repeat the procedure till the bleeding stops. Don’t drink via straw, as this can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding.
Shortly after tooth removal, place an ice pack on the affected area and wait for about 10 minutes before taking a break and starting all over. Also, remember to take painkillers prescribed to you by your dentist. This will help reduce dental pain and swelling.
Nerve damage and other complications may occur due to a botched tooth removal procedure. Visit Rosary Dental for a qualified and experienced dentist with the skills and expertise to perform different dental operations safely. We also use modern dental technology to ensure we provide our patients with the best treatment.
