What to Know about Tooth ExtractionAny type of gum disease may loosen or damage an entire tooth. A tooth that is severely decayed has to be removed. A dentist or a dental surgeon may do the procedure of removing the tooth. What to Expect from Tooth ExtractionBefore the extraction proper, a local anesthetic is applied on the area surrounding the tooth to give a numbing sensation. A stronger anesthesia may be necessary if there are several teeth to be extracted if not all of them. General anesthetic is applied for the entire body to numb which makes a person asleep throughout the procedure. Stitches may be needed after the tooth is removed. You can also bite on a cotton gauze to stop the bleeding. What to Expect after SurgeryRecovery period lasts for several days. For faster recovery, there are several things that can be done. - You may take painkillers as prescribed by a dentist or an oral surgeon. They will help relieve pain and swelling. An ice-cold pack can be applied as cold compress outside your mouth from 10 to 20 minutes.- After 24 hours from tooth extraction, you may gargle with salt water solution several times a day. This helps relieve swelling and pain in the area as well.- Change the gauze pads before they become drenched in blood. - Do not rub the area with your tongue and avoid smoking.