A dental extraction may be recommended when a tooth is deeply decayed, causing severe pain, or in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Pain management techniques and technology have made dental extractions possible with little to no discomfort.
After this procedure, be sure to rest and follow the doctor’s orders. You can use a cold compress to keep swelling down and reduce pain. Also, limit yourself to soft foods after surgery. Avoid drinking from a straw, spitting, and smoking to prevent dry sockets. Your dental team will provide after-care instructions following your extraction.
Extraction Site Preservation
When removing a tooth, it may be important to consider what will be done with the empty space after that tooth is removed. If nothing is done with the extraction site, the jaw bone may degenerate and change shape during the healing process which can cause the remaining teeth to shift causing malocclusion.
A dental implant or bridge can be used to fill in the empty space.