You can see signs of decay or damage by looking carefully in a mirror under good lighting. Check for discoloration on the tooth surface. Look for missing pieces or unusual marks on the tooth. See if the gums around the tooth are red, swollen, tender, painful, and/or bleeding. You may also notice a filling surrounded by black, which may be a secondary decay located at the margins of your filling.
Look for gums that have pulled away from the tooth. Persistent bad breath can be a sign of gum disease. Pay attention to any changes in the way your teeth fit when you bite. Notice you feel any type of mobility of your teeth when you bite. In some cases you may feel an opposing force from a tooth when you bite, similar to a spring that has a force on it. This may be due to an infection at the end of the root If you wear dentures, be aware of any changes in their fit. This can become a more advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis as further bone and tissue loss leads to looser teeth.
If you have a fever and notice swelling, pus, and/or feel pain around the area where the tooth should be emerging, it could be a sign of an abscess and require attention as soon as possible. Swollen tonsils and swallowing difficulties will appear when lower wisdom teeth are involved. Ask your dentist about the risks of keeping the wisdom teeth in or removing them.
Braces work by placing a small brackets (metal, ceramic, or plastic) on each tooth and holding them together with wires. Sometimes additional fixtures like oral bands are used on the teeth that serve as an anchor for the wires and exterior head gear are used for more severe bite corrections. Spacers are used between the teeth that need to make room for the bands. [7] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Ask your orthodontist about newer and more cosmetic varieties of braces that are just as effective, but less intrusive on the patient’s daily life. Braces are usually worn by a patient for a duration of one to three years. Talk with an orthodontist about braces and any steps that will need to be taken once the braces are removed. She will make a determination if an extraction is necessary to make room in the patient’s mouth during the procedure.
Before going to an emergency room or to your dentist, make sure they have x-ray equipment. If not, search for a dental x-ray center in order to save valuable time. Every tooth which is not extremely loose requires x-ray before extraction. If you suffered any injury to cause the possible need for extraction, let your dentist know. If your tooth has already fallen out or lost any portions that you managed to save, bring them along. This will help give your dentist an idea of what is left to be extracted.
Make sure you inform your dental provider with up to date information regarding medication you are on. He will need to know in case an extraction is the chosen course of action and uses anesthetic and/or painkillers later.
Report to the dentist any incident(s) that may have caused the tooth’s decay or damage. Provide the dentist any tooth or parts of tooth you may have saved. Submit to an oral x-ray of your mouth if recommended.
Either version of the extraction procedure will first involve injecting local anesthetic near the extraction area to numb it. Review any medical problems, such as allergies or adverse reactions you may have with anesthesia, if necessary. The most common type of tooth pulling procedure is a “simple extraction” in which the tooth is easily visible in the mouth. The dentist loosens the tooth with what is called an “elevator. " Then the dentist uses another tool — forceps —to remove the tooth. Surgical extractions are used for broken or hidden teeth — and are usually performed by oral surgeons, though some regular dentists will perform the procedure. The dentist/surgeon must cut into the gum and sometimes cut away some of the bone around the tooth and cut the tooth itself in order to remove it.
A problem called a dry socket occurs in a small percentage of patients. This happens when the bone under the removed tooth is exposed to contamination if a blood clot doesn’t remain in place after extraction. This can also occur after a very difficult extraction that caused the bone and blood vessels to expand. The dentist can accidentally damage neighboring teeth or jaw. The sinuses in the nearby area can be damaged. They will usually heal themselves, but more extreme cases would require additional surgery. Soreness in the extraction area or jaw. Numbness in the extraction area or jaw. This can be long-lasting or permanent if there is nerve damage. In some cases of anesthesia required for the extraction of upper front teeth up to premolars you may experience double vision or eyesight disorder for about an hour
After the extraction your dentist will have placed gauze in the area to let a blood clot form. Change this pad early to avoid it becoming soaked with blood, but then leave it two to three hours to allow the blood clot to remain and stabilize in the socket. Take your dentist’s prescribed painkillers as instructed. Keep ice bags around to apply to your face and reduce swelling. You may try applying the ice for 10-minute intervals. Avoid excessive physical activity, harsh mouthwashes, spitting, drinking from straws, smoking, eating hard foods, and lying too flat when resting for the day or two after the extraction. In addition, avoid heat in the area and do not sleep on that side, especially not propped up on your hands. Try to sleep faced up on a higher position by placing two pillows underneath your head.
Your dentist may place sutures in order to help and fasten the healing but also to protect the blood clot. They should be removed after seven days. Let your dentist know if you have signs of infection such as fever, chills, and/or redness at the extraction location. If you feel nausea and/or experience vomiting soon after the procedure, also let your dentist know. If you feel short of breath, have bouts of coughing, and/or start suffering chest pains within a short time of the procedure, then let the dentist know immediately.
Ask your dentist if she recommends any particular variety of toothpaste and toothbrush for your condition — especially after an extraction. Brush twice a day, including once before you go to bed. When brushing and flossing, don’t neglect your back teeth. You should keep mouthwash or a dental rinse as part of the hygiene regimen. Some will instruct you to rinse before the brushing phase, some are to be used after the brushing phase.
You don’t have to eliminate things like coffee, teas, sodas, sugary snacks from your diet — but consume them in moderation. Ask your dentist about varieties of toothpaste or cleaning procedures that might help stave off decay in addition to regular efforts.
These check-ups, often called prophylaxis, can also spot potential problems early and allow your dentist and you to come up with a plan to deal with them before they become more severe. If you have dental insurance or a discount plan, consult with them on how often they will cover these visits.
