Search for answers based on common questions
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It is necessary when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, infected, impacted, or crowding other teeth.
During the procedure, you will be given anesthesia to numb the area, so you should not feel pain. However, you may feel some pressure and discomfort. After the procedure, you may experience some pain and swelling, but your dentist or oral surgeon will provide pain management instructions and medication.
Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction and your overall health. Typically, you can expect a few days to a week for initial healing, with complete healing taking a few weeks. Follow your dentist's post-operative care instructions for a smoother recovery.
After a tooth extraction, it's best to stick to a soft diet for a few days. You can eat foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soup. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the extraction site.
While tooth extraction is a common and safe procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, excessive bleeding, dry socket (loss of the blood clot in the socket), and damage to neighboring teeth or nerves. Your dentist will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.
Most people can return to work or school the day after a simple tooth extraction. However, if you have a more complex extraction or if your job involves physical activity, you may need additional time off.
If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, signs of infection (like fever or pus), or any other complications, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. They will provide guidance on how to address the issue.
If you are given anesthesia during the procedure, you should arrange for someone to drive you home, as the effects of anesthesia can impair your ability to drive safely.
In some cases, a missing tooth may need to be replaced for functional and cosmetic reasons. Your dentist can discuss replacement options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures if necessary.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that typically erupt in late adolescence or early adulthood.They often need to be extracted because there may not be enough space in the mouth for them to grow properly, leading to impaction, misalignment, pain, or dental issues.
Wisdom teeth should be considered for extraction if they are causing pain, discomfort, swelling, infection, or if they are impacting adjacent teeth or interfering with your bite. It's often recommended to have them evaluated in late adolescence or early adulthood.
The procedure itself is not painful because you will be under anesthesia. However, you may experience some discomfort and swelling in the days following the extraction. Your oral surgeon will provide pain management instructions and medication to help you manage any pain.
The recovery period typically lasts about a few days to a week. You may need to take it easy, avoid certain foods, and follow post-operative care instructions provided by your oral surgeon to ensure a smooth recovery.
You'll want to stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods for the first few days after the extraction. Some options include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soup. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the surgical sites.
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks, although they are relatively low. Risks include infection, excessive bleeding, nerve damage, or complications from anesthesia. Your oral surgeon will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.
The cost of wisdom tooth extraction can vary depending on factors like the complexity of the extraction and your location. Dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost, so it's essential to check with your insurance provider for specific details.
Most people can return to work or school a few days after the extraction. However, you should follow your oral surgeon's advice regarding rest and recovery. If your job or activities are physically demanding, you may need more time off.
Signs of complications may include severe pain, excessive bleeding, persistent swelling, infection, or numbness in the lips, tongue, or chin. If you experience any of these, contact your oral surgeon immediately.
To prepare, follow your oral surgeon's pre-operative instructions, arrange for transportation to and from the appointment (due to anesthesia), and plan to take a few days off work or school for recovery. Also, have soft foods and pain medications ready at home.Remember that this Q&A section provides general information, and it's crucial to consult with your oral surgeon or dentist for personalized advice and guidance regarding your specific situation.
Oral surgery is a specialized branch of dentistry that involves surgical procedures to treat various oral and maxillofacial conditions. It may be necessary for issues like tooth extraction, dental implant placement, jaw surgery, and treatment of oral diseases.
You may need oral surgery if you have impacted wisdom teeth, severe dental infections, jaw misalignment, facial trauma, or require dental implants. Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate your condition and recommend surgery when necessary.
During the surgery, you will be under anesthesia, so you should not feel pain. However, there may be some discomfort during the recovery period. Your oral surgeon will provide pain management guidance and medications to help you manage any pain.
Recovery varies depending on the procedure. Typically, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for a few days to a few weeks. Follow your oral surgeon's post-operative care instructions carefully to facilitate a smooth recovery.
Like any surgical procedure, oral surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and complications related to anesthesia. Your oral surgeon will discuss these risks with you beforehand and take steps to minimize them.
Your diet may be limited to soft and liquid foods for a period following oral surgery. Common options include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soup. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate surgical sites.
The healing time varies depending on the procedure. Some minor surgeries may heal within a few days, while more complex procedures may take several weeks to months. Your oral surgeon will provide a specific timeline.
It depends on the surgery and your individual recovery. Most people can return to work or school after a few days, but strenuous activities should be avoided until you receive clearance from your oral surgeon.
Oral surgery may be partially or fully covered by dental or medical insurance, depending on the procedure and your insurance plan. Contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage.
Preparation may include fasting before surgery (if required), arranging for transportation to and from the surgical appointment (due to anesthesia), and ensuring you have a comfortable recovery space at home. Follow your surgeon's pre-operative instructions carefully.Always consult with your oral surgeon or dentist for personalized information and guidance related to your specific oral surgery procedure and needs.
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"I have had the pleasure to be assisted by Dr Alexia. One of the best dentist I have ever met in London. Great service, great work done for me. Highly recommend it!!!"
"I have had the pleasure to be assisted by Dr Alexia. One of the best dentist I have ever met in London. Great service, great work done for me. Highly recommend it!!!I have had the pleasure to be assisted by Dr Alexia. One of the best dentist I have ever met in London. Great service, great work done for me...."