Here is everything you need to know about a tooth extraction explained by Norwich Dental Care. You will realise that it isn’t as frightening as it sounds and a lot of the time you will be under general anaesthetic anyway to null the pain. So, here is our article all about tooth extraction and how a Norwich dentist will make it a painless experience.
Reasons why a dentist in Norwich might need to perform a tooth extraction
There are many reasons as to why a Norwich dentist might want to extract a tooth from your mouth. Some of them are more obvious than others so here are all of the reasons our dentists in Norwich can think of.
Weak immune system: If your immune system isn’t strong due to illness like Cancer or you are having an organ transplant, then having an infected tooth could potentially kill you. That is why we would advise you to immediately seek out a dentist Norwich as we will extract that infected tooth for you.
A crowded mouth. Sometimes dentists in Norwich decide to pull teeth to prepare the mouth for orthodontia. The purpose of orthodontia is to properly align your teeth within your mouth, which sometimes isn’t possible if your teeth are too big for your mouth. If one of your teeth cannot break through the gum due to there not being enough room in the mouth for the tooth, your Norwich dentist may recommend extracting it.
What you should do after your tooth extraction
Following a tooth extraction, your Norwich dentist will send you home to recover. Recovery typically takes a few days, maybe even less. Please take a look at the following list to help you have a speedy recovery.
- Take any painkillers that are prescribed.
- Bite firmly but gently on the gauze pad placed by your Norwich dentist to reduce any bleeding and allow a clot to form in the tooth. Change the gauze pads before they become soaked with your blood. Leave the pad in place for three to four hours after the tooth extraction.
- Apply an ice bag to the affected area immediately after the tooth extraction to keep down the swelling.
- Avoid rinsing or spitting for at least 24 hours after the tooth extraction to avoid dislodging the clot that forms in the affected area.
- Do not drink from a straw for the first 24 hours at least.
- Do not smoke, which can inhibit healing.
- Eat soft foods, such as soup, ice cream, yogurt, or applesauce the day after the tooth extraction. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as the tooth extraction area heals.
- When lying down, prop your head with more pillows than usual. Lying flat may cause more bleeding.
- Continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual and brush your tongue as well, but be sure to avoid the tooth extraction site. Doing so will help prevent infection of the tooth.
