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A more complex procedure used for a tooth that may have broken off at the gum line or has not come into the mouth yet. Oral surgeons usually perform surgical extractions; however, general dentists can perform them as well. During a surgical extraction, the doctor will make a small incision (cut) into your gum and remove the underlying tooth.
The most important thing after a tooth extraction is keeping the area clean to prevent infection. Immediately following the procedure, your dentist might ask you to bite down gently on a piece of dry, sterile gauze. You should keep the gauze in place for 30 to 45 minutes to limit bleeding while clotting takes place. Your dentist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, but for 24 hours following your extraction, you should not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, or clean the teeth next to the extraction site.
You can expect a certain amount of pain and discomfort following an extraction. In some cases, your dentist will recommend a pain killer or prescribe one for you. It might help to apply an ice pack to your cheek to reduce swelling. You should limit strenuous activity, as well as avoid hot liquids and not drink through a straw. Under normal circumstances, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. However, if you experience prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever, call your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
Typically, an anesthetic is administered to the patient to make them feel relaxed and comfortable. Many teeth that need to be extracted have nerves that are dead or dying. As a result, the tooth may not send pain signals out. The extraction itself should not be very painful, but discomfort during recovery is common.
Once the procedure is done, detailed at-home care instructions will be given to the patient. To speed up the recovery and avoid any complications, patients must follow the given at-home instructions diligently. However, do know that the recovery period varies from patient to patient.