There are a few reasons why a person would need to see the dentist for a tooth extraction. One of the most common reasons is when the wisdom teeth come in. Most dentists recommend that they are extracted once they have grown in completely.
If a person is suffering from severe tooth decay that cannot be repaired with a filling or a root canal, the dentist may suggest having the tooth pulled. If a person is going to the dentist for Tooth Extractions in Amarillo Texas, they should know what to expect after the tooth has been removed.
Post-Extraction Diet
When a person has a tooth pulled, the dentist will use Novocaine to numb the area. In most cases, the numbness won’t wear off for a few hours. During this time, they should not eat. Eating while their mouth is still numb can cause the individual to bite their lip or tongue. When the Novocaine has worn off, the individual should eat soft foods only for the first few days and avoid eating anything too hot or too cold.
Alleviating the Pain
When the Novocaine wears off, it is not uncommon that the individual starts to experience some pain. In some cases, the dentist will prescribe a prescription pain medication. If they don’t, the individual can take an over the counter pain reliever. It is best to take the first dose before the Novocaine wears off. This will dull the pain when the numbness wears off.
Other Instructions
After the extraction, the dentist will put gauze over the hole to absorb the blood. For the next hour or two, the individual should change the gauze. If the bleeding persists for hours, they should call their dentist. Also, the individual should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for 48 hours. They should also avoid spitting and drinking through a straw for 48 hours. Each of these things can result in a dry socket which can be incredibly painful.
If a person is going to the dentist for Tooth Extractions in Amarillo Texas, they should understand the aftercare instructions. For more information, visit Panhandle Dental or Browse the website.
