Typically, your dentist will try to save your natural teeth if it is possible to restore their health and function. However, in some cases the extraction is unavoidable. Teeth extraction is an invasive surgical procedure performed using anesthesia. Even though the procedure itself is usually not painful due to the medication, it is still somewhat strenuous. On top of that, some time after the procedure needs to be allowed for healing. In this article, we will walk you through the process of tooth extraction and aftercare and answer the question, “How many tooth extractions can you have in one visit?”
Technically speaking, all the remaining teeth in your mouth can be extracted at once, and it is certainly done when necessary. However, in many cases there are factors that can limit the number of teeth that are safe to remove in one sitting.
Pulling teeth without anesthesia can be quite painful, and not many people are ready to tolerate that kind of pain. Of course, nowadays, dentists give their patients injections that numb the area and prevent the patient from feeling any pain. However, only a certain amount of anesthetic can be given to a patient without cardiovascular and overall health risks. Among other factors, the amount of anesthetic that is safe to give a patient depends on a patient’s body weight and height. It is much safer for the patient to get only one part of the mouth numbed at a time. That is why, in many cases, it is recommended to extract a large number of teeth over multiple visits.
The ability to heal fast after the procedure of tooth extraction can depend on many factors. For example, the younger the patient is, the better the regeneration processes of the body are. Also, the condition of the immune system and the amount of blood thinners can influence how well and fast a patient will be able to heal. Sometimes, to avoid unnecessary complications, your dentist will recommend extracting no more than 3 teeth at a time and allow 2 to 4 weeks for healing before extracting more teeth.
Even though a procedure is done using anesthetic and therefore not painful, a patient can experience pain, swelling, and discomfort for several days after the procedure. On top of that, it might be uncomfortable to eat normally while your mouth is healing. But you still need to eat properly in order to give your body the nutrition necessary for healing. These are the reasons why, in many cases, it is more comfortable for the patient to have teeth removed only on one side of the mouth. This way, there will be less pain and swelling to tolerate after the procedure, and it will be possible to chew food on the healthy side of the mouth. Of course, post-surgery pain can be remedied with over-the-counter painkillers, but you can not take more than recommended without health risks.
In cases of severe tooth decay, abscesses, or if teeth are badly damaged due to a trauma, for example they are broken at a gum line, it can be not safe to keep the teeth in the mouth for a long period of time. Then in these situations your dentist might recommend extracting several teeth at once to avoid further complications. In standard cases, when there are no urgent issues to solve, several teeth are usually removed over several visits.
To have your mouth heal properly and avoid complications, follow these tips:
If you need your teeth extracted or want to learn more about the procedure, make an appointment with one of the specialists at My Dentist Anaheim today. We always try to ensure that the surgery is as safe and comfortable for the patient as possible.
