Life After Tooth Extraction
There are many reasons that a dentist may require a patient to have a , particularly if the tooth causes problems with the patient’s oral health, function or appearance. After tooth extraction, you should be sure to follow all aftercare instructions provided by the dentist and understand what options are available to replace the missing tooth in the long term (if necessary).
Tooth extraction aftercare and what to expect in the long term
Tooth extraction is a relatively common procedure that many people experience. If a missing tooth will cause a cosmetic concern, then the dentist can recommend ways to replace the missing tooth. There may also be oral care and functional adjustments that the patient must make. The following is a review of what to expect after tooth extraction in the immediate aftermath and in the long term.
When is a tooth extraction necessary?
Tooth extraction may be recommended or necessary for a variety of reasons. In general, any time a tooth causes oral health, functional, cosmetic or alignment concerns, it may be in the patient’s best interest to remove it. A dentist may recommend tooth extraction for the following reasons:
- Severe tooth damage
- Deep dental decay
- Severe periodontitis
- Teeth overcrowding
- Emergency dental treatment
If necessary, the dentist can replace the missing tooth with an artificial prosthesis, such as a dental implant or partial denture.
What happens after tooth extraction?
There is a recovery and aftercare period after tooth extraction. This should involve caring for the mouth properly by eating a soft diet, drinking water regularly and practicing good oral hygiene. There may be swelling and discomfort, and the patient may also need to adjust to life without the tooth until it can be replaced, although not all extracted teeth require replacement. The patient can manage pain through over-the-counter pain relief medication, and they should check for signs of complications regularly and alert the dentist if any concerns develop.
Can I replace the missing tooth?
Depending on the purpose of tooth extraction, the dentist may recommend replacing the tooth. Specifically, a tooth should be replaced if it causes a cosmetic concern. In some instances, a tooth is removed for orthodontic reasons, like if the mouth is overcrowded, so it may be best to not replace the tooth in these situations. If the patient does want to replace the missing tooth, the three main options are a dental implant, dental bridge and partial removable denture.
What to expect in the long term after tooth extraction
The goal of tooth extraction is to improve either the oral health, function or appearance of the patient. It may be one step in a larger treatment process. Long term, the patient should benefit more from tooth extraction than without it, and the patient should adjust relatively quickly after extraction.
Discuss tooth extraction and tooth replacement with our team
If you are concerned with tooth extraction, then feel free to talk to our team about your concerns and ask them questions. We guide our patients through the tooth extraction and tooth replacement processes to ensure optimal safety and effective procedures.
Request an appointment here: https://www.tanqueverdedental.com or call Oro Valley Family Dentistry at (520) 833-5261 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: .
Related Posts
There are notable benefits to wisdom tooth extraction, and understanding when it is recommended and what to expect throughout the treatment and aftercare process can help you ease any anxieties that you have ahead of your scheduled consultation or wisdom tooth extraction procedure.The most common questions patients have about wisdom tooth extractions deal with the…
Concerned about impacted wisdom teeth? Read on to learn more about this condition and how it is addressed. The third pair of molars at the rear of the mouth is known as the wisdom teeth. These teeth usually appear in late adolescence or early adulthood. Impaction is when a wisdom tooth becomes trapped beneath your…
Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure that is not typically enjoyable but is often necessary in order to eliminate pain and crowding within the oral cavity. Individuals that are preparing for wisdom tooth extraction may find it helpful to get familiar with the recovery process, which can be involved, depending on the number of teeth…
Emergency dentistry deals with dental emergencies that require immediate treatment. For example, an infected tooth requires urgent care since it causes excruciating pain, and the infection is always a risk of expanding to other parts of the body.Here are some fascinating facts everyone should know about emergency dentistry:The emergency dental care umbrella covers any dental…