Can You Go to Work the Next Day After Tooth Extraction?

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

It is a dental procedure for removing a natural tooth from the jawbone. A tooth extraction near you is permanent. Once the dentist pulls out a tooth, they cannot restore it. Therefore, dentists near you carefully perform tooth extractions only when necessary.

When Would You Need a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction in Shalimar, FL, is a treatment protocol that helps address various oral problems, including the following:

• Severe dental decay – not all tooth cavities merit tooth removal. A dentist near you will recommend extracting your decayed tooth if the damage is too severe.
• Tooth fracture – some degrees of breakage can necessitate tooth removal.
• Impacted tooth – when a tooth erupts improperly, it can remain partially or wholly stuck underneath the gums. It is common if you have limited space in your jawbone.
• Overcrowding – when you have little space in your jawbone, all your teeth will not fit in well. Part of orthodontic treatment involves removing one or two natural teeth to create space in your mouth for the rest of the teeth to align properly.

How Painful Is a Tooth Extraction Procedure?

Tooth removal at Complete Health Dentistry of the Emerald Coast often involves a simple procedure. The dentist rocks the target tooth back and forth to loosen it from the jawbone for easy extraction. However, in some cases, the dentist must resolve to surgery. It is especially the case when extracting impacted teeth. The dentist may even take it further by breaking the tooth into small pieces for easy extraction.

The process of pulling a tooth from your jawbone is invasive. Therefore, it can cause high pain levels. Dentists use local anesthesia to numb your mouth before beginning the dental work. Besides numbing, the dentist may administer sedation dentistry to relax your body and mind and calm your nerves.

What Happens After Your Procedure?

You will experience a few changes in your oral cavity after your surgery. First, your mouth will remain numb for a few hours after the tooth extraction. The numbing will wear off naturally. Meanwhile, you may experience some of the following side effects:

• Bleeding and streaks of blood in your saliva
• Swelling in your mouth and the surrounding areas
• Sore, reddened, and tender gums
• Dental pain – affecting your gums, jawbone, cheeks, and even your neck

Will You Be Able to Resume Work Immediately?

Resuming your daily activities without downtime after a tooth extraction is a big stretch. Usually, dental experts recommend resting for 48 – 72 hours before resuming daily activities. This period is necessary for rest, allowing your body to focus on healing. However, you will not be completely crippled from doing any activity. The only requirement is to avoid any engagements and exertions demanding a lot of physical movement and activity. Some people may resume work the following day after a tooth extraction if the nature of their job is physically less engaging.

Other Aftercare Tips to Follow During Recovery

If you want to enjoy your recovery period as you rest, consider the following tips:

• Keep your head elevated when you lie down – it prevents blood pooling in your head, which often worsens swelling, bleeding, and pain.
• Take prescribed medication – antibiotics will lower the risk of infection in the wound. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers will improve your comfort levels by reducing swelling and pain.
• Ensure you keep a clean gauze on the wound – it helps control the bleeding by allowing a blood clot to form. Change the gauze every 30 minutes to an hour to prevent bacterial infection.
• Eat soft foods only – and ensure you are chewing away from the extraction site.
• Rinse your mouth with saltwater – it kills active bacteria and dislodges any debris around the extraction wound.
• Cold compress to alleviate swelling and reduce pain levels

Summary

Tooth extraction is an invasive procedure that requires making necessary adjustments for projected downtime after the treatment. If you are unsure about the rules and guidelines, liaise with your dentist to know what works for your oral health.