There are several reasons why a tooth would be extracted. Most times wisdom teeth always get extracted. This is basically not because people can’t live with it but because it may have been as a result of tooth troubles or improper positioning. On the other hand, tooth decay, an infection on the tooth, and crowding could be a reason why tooth extraction would be considered. Most times when a tooth needs to be aligned with either braces or clear aligners, one may require to pull out a tooth or more in order to aid tooth mobility. One other way tooth extraction may be considered is in cases of chemotherapy. Those undergoing chemo may require to extract a tooth or more in order to keep their mouth healthy. On the other hand, the cost of tooth extraction can vary. There are certain factors you should put into consideration. 

A proper and effective tooth extraction is often carried out by a trained dentist and during the process an anesthesia may be required to help keep the spot for extraction numb. Oftentimes, tooth extraction is a simple procedure, only in rare cases where the tooth may have been broken or impacted that would require surgical extraction. 

How Much Does A Tooth Extraction Cost? 

The cost of a tooth extraction procedure varies. This depends on if there are underlying issues, the type of dental clinic visited as well as the condition of the tooth to be extracted. Simple extraction falls between a few thousands of Naira per tooth and in other cases, the type of anesthesia implemented may increase the cost of the procedure. However, the cost to extract a normal tooth differed from the cost of extracting impacted teeth. The price is slightly higher. 

How To Prepare For A Tooth Extraction. 

As soon as your appointment is confirmed, you would be required to visit the dental clinic so that the dentist can begin the tooth extraction process. During your clerking procedure, be sure to tell your dentist about any medication you are currently taking. Your dentist would also require you to have a dental X-ray. Speak to your dentist with all sincerity of heart so you don’t complicate your tooth extraction procedure. 

Here is a list of procedures you should relate to your dentist 

  • a congenital heart defect
  • diabetes
  • liver disease
  • thyroid disease
  • renal disease
  • hypertension
  • an artificial joint
  • damaged heart valves
  • adrenal disease
  • an impaired immune system
  • history of bacterial endocarditis

Your dentist may want to make sure all conditions are stable or treated before you undergo the tooth extraction. You might be prescribed antibiotics in the days leading up to the procedure if:

  1. Your surgery is expected to belong.
  2. You have an infection or a weakened immune system.
  3. You have a specific medical condition.

It’s helpful to keep the following in mind for the day of the tooth extraction in order to ensure quality treatment:

  • If you will be receiving intravenous (IV) anesthesia, wear a short-sleeved shirt or loose-fitted clothing, and don’t eat or drink for six to eight hours before your appointment. 
  • Don’t smoke beforehand. Tell your dentist if you have a cold, as you may need to reschedule. 
  • Tell your dentist if you had nausea or vomiting the night before, which may require different anesthesia or rescheduling.
  • If you’re receiving general anesthesia, have someone with you to drive you home.

What Next after Surgery? 

After tooth extraction has been carried out, you would be required to take certain measures in order to keep the spot clean and healthy. You would be required to:

Change Dental Gauze. 

As soon as your surgery is completed, the dentist would place layers of gauze on the spot and expect you to bite hard on it. When you bite, the pressure exerted would help stop the site from bleeding. 

Pain Control

One thing you should bear in mind, the given anesthesia would definitely wear off. It is important to note that if after a few hours you still feel numb at that spot, kindly contact your dentist. To help you ease your pain, the dentist would prescribe pain and inflammatory drugs to help you heal quickly. 

Swell Control

You may experience mild swelling in the area of the extraction. Don’t panic, this is normal, kindly apply ice to help alleviate the swelling. 

Avoiding Disturbing The Extraction Site

It may be quite difficult to avoid your tongue and fingers going to that spot. However, you should bear in mind that the first few hours after your tooth extraction procedure is quite important. Disturbing the area could cause blood clotting and slow down the healing process. 

Here is a list of things you should consciously avoid. 

  1. Sucking on the extraction site
  2. Touching it with their tongue
  3. Using a straw
  4. Spitting
  5. Eating solid — especially crunchy — foods
  6. Rinsing the mouth vigorously
  7. Drinking alcoholic beverages or using mouthwash that contains alcohol
  8. Smoking
  9. Taking care when eating.
  10. After tooth extraction, drink plenty of fluids and eat soft, nutritious foods.
  11. When chewing becomes comfortable again, slowly reintroduce solid foods. The dentist will recommend chewing on the side opposite from the extraction site until the wound has fully healed.
  12. Brushing and flossing- continue to brush and floss as usual after a tooth extraction, but be careful not to disturb the blood clotting.
  13. Starting the day after surgery, people can also rinse every few hours with warm saltwater. To make this, add half a teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water.

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