Extractions of teeth tend to create anxiety in patients. Tooth removal is not always associated with an unhealthy tooth, nor is it a painful procedure. Once it has been determined that a tooth should be removed, there are dietary and behavioral modifications you must follow for optimum recovery from the procedure.
Tools
Several tools are used to remove teeth from the oral cavity. Dental elevators and forceps are examples. Elevators raise the tooth and roots, while forceps are used to grab the tooth and root. These tools have been designed to make tooth removal more efficient for the dentist and patient.
Reasons for Extraction
Teeth are extracted for various reasons. "Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 4th Edition" lists these reasons: a large cavity; severe periodontal disease; orthodontic therapy; cracked tooth; malpositioned or crooked teeth; impacted teeth; extra teeth; teeth involved in jaw fractures, teeth attached to pathologic lesions; and improving appearance.
Types of Extractions
There are two types of extractions, routine and surgical. A routine extraction is one in which the tooth can be removed just by using elevators and forceps. A surgical extraction requires the removal of bone and cutting into the soft gum tissue around the tooth, in addition to the use of elevators and forceps. If a portion of tooth breaks off during a routine extraction, a surgical extraction may be needed to remove the rest of the tooth.
What to Eat
According to "Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 4th Edition" patients should consume a soft diet after a tooth extraction. A soft diet includes soups, mashed potatoes, milkshakes, cooked vegetables, soft fruits, juices, pastas and soft bread. Eating spicy foods may aggravate the area where the tooth was removed and should be avoided. Do not try to eat foods that require a lot of chewing, such as carrots, apples and sticky candy. Consult your dentist for other dietary modifications.
Activities to Avoid
Patients should not smoke, suck through a straw or spit for 24 to 48 hours. The negative pressure that is created by these actions can create alveolar osteitis, also known as dry socket. Dry sockets occur when the blood clot of an extraction area has been removed by negative pressure. Dry sockets are extremely painful and require immediate treatment. Consult your dentist for additional modifications for your lifestyle.
References
- "Mosby's Dental Dictionary, 2nd Edition"; Thomas Zwemer; 2003
- "Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 4th Edition"; Larry J. Peterson; 2002
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