There are a number of signs to show your tooth might have to be extracted. Our first attempt is always to save a natural tooth for as long as possible. The following are signs that your tooth may be a candidate for removal after all attempts have failed
- Severe pain for a prolonged time
- Severely decayed and broken down
- Tooth has severe bone loss
- Recurrent swelling
- Broken far below the gum level
- Tooth is fractured from within
After an extraction, it is normal to have some minor pain which will subside with pain medication. The extraction area can be tender for up to 10 days and if you have had stitches these are removed then. Also if the site was that of a wisdom tooth then it may take a month to fill up entirely. Wisdom teeth are typically extracted when there is not enough room in the mouth. The crowding can create discomfort or pain and result in other teeth becoming crooked. Wisdom teeth are also removed when they are infected, coming in the wrong position,damaging other teeth, lodging food in the gums or adjacent teeth leading to decay or gum infections. For these reasons, removal of wisdom teeth is highly effective in preventing later dental problems. 1st 24 hours are very important in term of fast healing. You should:
- Avoid hot, spicy and sharp food items
- Do not use a straw (the resultant suction pressure can dislodge a clot)
- Eat soft foods in small mouthfuls.
- Do not rinse your mouth and avoid spitting or rinsing (that can dislodge blood clot and will start bleeding).
- Do not smoke, drink alcohol or any form of tobacco.