While permanent teeth are supposed to last for life, there may be instances, such as severe decay, an impacted wisdom tooth, an accident that severely affects the tooth, or the death of a tooth that makes extraction necessary. Since most adults don't have much experience with having a tooth extracted, it is natural to feel nervous or anxious about having a tooth extracted. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect and how to recover:

Pre-Extraction Exam

Dentists and oral surgeons take great care to learn as much as they can about a patient's teeth and jaw prior to a tooth extraction. You will need to undergo a full dental exam and have x-rays done. Your dentist or oral surgeon will also request a full medical history from you; make sure that you are completely honest about your health, and list all medications you are taking. It is also essential to tell your dental provider about any supplements you may be taking on a regular basis. Depending on why you're having a tooth extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe a course of antibiotics to be taken before the procedure to help prevent infection.

Day of Extraction

Prior to your tooth being extracted, the area around your tooth and your jaw will be fully numbed with local anesthetic. When the time comes for your dentist or oral surgeon to remove the tooth, you should not feel any pain, but you may feel a lot of pressure. The pressure of extracting a tooth should not hurt-- if you experience any type of pain during the extraction process, please let your dentist or oral surgeon know so he or she can administer additional numbing agents so you are more comfortable.

Recovery from a Tooth Extraction

After you have a permanent tooth removed, you will need to hold a piece of gauze in your mouth for a little while. The gauze will help slow the bleeding and help a blood clot form in the area of the gums where the tooth was extracted. After having a tooth extracted, you will want to avoid drinking through a straw or smoking cigarettes, as these actions can cause the blood clot to become unattached, resulting in a condition called a dry socket, which can be extremely painful.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will most likely prescribe narcotic pain killers after a tooth extraction. It is in your best interest to take the medication according to schedule so you don't have to experience a lot of pain or discomfort. For more information, contact companies like Renovo Endodontic Studio.