Dental Extraction, Kota Kinabalu

Ah, the joys of dental procedures – they’re up there with getting a root canal or dealing with a pesky wisdom tooth. But let’s face it, sometimes extractions are a necessary evil. It’s important to understand what goes down during an extraction, so you can be prepared for the big pull.

First off, what is a dental extraction?

A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jaw bone. There are two main types of extractions: simple and surgical. A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that’s visible above the gum line and can be removed with just a few tools. 

A surgical extraction is a bit more complicated and involves removing a tooth that’s broken off at the gum line or has not erupted fully.

Why would you need an extraction?

Well, there are a number of reasons why a tooth might need to be extracted. Decay, gum disease, injury, or crowding are just a few. If a tooth is too damaged to be repaired, your dentist may recommend an extraction. It’s also common to have wisdom teeth removed if they’re causing problems or if there’s not enough room in your mouth for them to come in properly.

Just the thought of having a tooth pulled makes me cringe.

We hear you, buddy. The thought of having a tooth yanked out is enough to make anyone’s skin crawl. But the good news is, extractions are a common procedure and your dentist will do everything in their power to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

What can you expect during an extraction?

First things first, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth to minimize any discomfort. Then, they’ll use a tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth and prepare it for removal. If the tooth is particularly stubborn, they may need to cut it into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.

Once the tooth is ready, your dentist will use a pair of forceps to gently rock the tooth back and forth until it comes loose. Don’t worry, you shouldn’t feel much, if anything, thanks to the numbing medication.

It sounds like a scene from a horror movie!

Well, it’s not exactly a walk in the park, but it’s not as bad as it sounds either. Most people report feeling some pressure during the extraction, but that’s about it. Your dentist will be extra gentle, so there’s no need to worry about them yanking your tooth out like a stubborn weed.

What happens after the extraction?

After the extraction, your dentist will place a gauze pad over the empty socket to help control any bleeding. You’ll need to bite down on the gauze for about 30 minutes to keep pressure on the area. 

Once the bleeding has stopped, your dentist will give you some post-operative instructions to follow, including how to care for the extraction site and what to avoid.

It’s normal to experience some swelling and discomfort after an extraction, but over-the-counter pain medications should help manage any pain. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection.

Will I need to stick to a liquid diet?

It depends on the type of extraction you had and how you’re feeling, but it’s likely that you’ll need to stick to a soft food diet for the first few days after the procedure. Chewy, crunchy, and sticky foods should be avoided to prevent dislodging the blood clot and causing further damage to the extraction site.

In conclusion, dental extractions may not be the most desirable procedure, but they can be necessary in some cases to maintain good oral health. It’s important to listen to your dentist’s recommendations and follow their post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. 

If you have any concerns or questions about an upcoming extraction, don’t hesitate to bring them up with your dentist. We will be more than happy to put your mind at ease and answer any questions you may have. 

So, take a deep breath, try not to worry too much, and let your dentist do what they do best. You’ll be smiling and biting into an apple in no time!