Oral surgery is a specialized type of dental care that refers to addressing numerous dental issues. One of the most common reasons for oral surgery is tooth extraction, which is also known as getting a tooth pulled.

If your tooth extraction is considered routine, your general dentist will probably perform the procedure. However, if the tooth is severely infected or impacted, or if it has broken apart, your dentist may refer you to oral surgery. Here are some things you should know about oral surgery if you are anticipating a dental extraction.

When Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

Getting teeth pulled is often recommended if the teeth are severely damaged or if they have extensive decay. Severely damaged or decayed teeth may not be salvageable, and because of this, extraction may be the only safe option.

Wisdom teeth, which are molars in the back of your mouth, may pose problems as a result of crowding or because they are starting to come in sideways. These conditions, along with impaction, may necessitate oral surgery to prevent severe pain, infection, and damage to the nearby teeth. If your wisdom teeth are coming in sideways, they may crowd the teeth next to them and damage your tooth enamel or even crack the neighboring teeth.

Tooth Extraction Procedure And Aftercare

After your dentist numbs the affected area, your tooth will be loosened with a special dental tool. Your tooth may also need to be broken up into smaller pieces to ensure easier removal. Although you may experience minor pressure during your oral surgery, the local anesthetic that your dentist has injected into your gum tissue will usually prevent you from feeling any pain. Following the extraction, your dentist will give you an aftercare instruction sheet so that you know how to take care of the extraction site.

Following your dentist's postoperative instructions will help ensure an event-free and speedy recovery. For example, you may need to avoid strenuous activity for a few days following your procedure, avoid smoking, and refrain from using straws. Smoking and using straws when drinking can dislodge the protective clot that forms over the extraction site. If you lose this clot, a painful condition called dry socket can develop and your healing may be delayed.

If you have an impacted wisdom tooth or if one of your teeth is severely decayed or damaged, see your dentist as soon as possible for a checkup and to determine if you need oral surgery. Prompt treatment almost always results in a more favorable outcome because delaying dental treatment may lead to complications such as severe oral infections and increased pain.