Whether or not you require antibiotics after getting tooth extractions near you depends largely on the reason you are getting the procedure in the first place. Antibiotics are not always administered after oral surgery because our mouths do a fairly good job of cleaning themselves, and antibiotics can sometimes do more harm than good. However, if you already have an infection in your mouth or have an underlying medical condition, your dentist in Yellowknife may recommend antibiotics. In this blog post, our team at Somba Ké Family Dental discusses everything you need to know about tooth extractions, along with the reasons that you may need to take antibiotics before or after the procedure.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
While your permanent teeth are meant to stay intact for your entire life, there are conditions that may necessitate dental extractions in Yellowknife. The most common reason being a badly infected or damaged tooth. Sometimes tooth extraction is also recommended if:
- Your mouth is overcrowded- sometimes, a dental extraction is needed when you are about to undergo orthodontic treatment. Teeth will be removed to make space for the orthodontic treatment to allow the remaining teeth to align properly.
- There is a risk of infection- certain medical conditions that require treatments such as chemotherapy or an organ transplant can lead to a compromised immune system, increasing the risk of infection in a tooth. In this case, our dentist near you may recommend extraction.
- You have severe gum disease- your gum health is important to your overall oral health. If your teeth have become compromised due to gum disease, you may need to have some of them pulled.
When Might Antibiotics Be Necessary?
Overall, tooth extractions are straightforward and safe treatments; however, there are certain circumstances in which you may be put at a higher risk of developing an infection. If you have an underlying medical condition that increases your risk of infection, you will need to take antibiotics leading up to your procedure and after it. If you have any of the following conditions, ensure that you let our dentist know before moving forward with tooth extractions:
- Congenital heart defects
- A weakened immune system
- Artificial joints such as a knee replacement
- A heart condition
Healing After Tooth Extractions
After you get a tooth extracted, our dentist will send you home to heal and recover. To ensure that your recovery goes smoothly, follow the instructions provided by your dentist carefully. Additionally, ensure that you:
- Take your painkillers and antibiotics as prescribed
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Rest and relax for about 24 hours following your procedure
- Avoid smoking
- Brush your teeth and tongue while avoiding the extraction site
If you notice any lingering pain or discomfort, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist for a checkup.
The Bottom Line
There are many reasons that one may require a tooth extraction, and our team at Somba Ké Family Dental is happy to provide you with all the information you need about this procedure. If you have any underlying medical conditions, you require antibiotics, and you must let our team know of these conditions. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact our team of dedicated dental professionals today.