Your teeth are strong. They’re built to withstand wear and tear. Unfortunately, thanks to aging, stress, and a bunch of other factors, your teeth can break down over time, causing them to decay or become damaged due to an injury. Like one bad apple spoiling the bunch, one decayed tooth can spread and begin ruining the rest of your smile! Similarly, a severely damaged tooth is more susceptible to bacteria and infection, especially if it’s broken to the pulp, the part of the tooth where nerves and blood vessels live. Usually, decaying or damaged teeth can be taken care of with a cavity or a crown, but if the damage to one tooth is sever enough, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction.

Granted, there are other reasons a tooth might have to be extracted. Overcrowding, think wisdom teeth, and increased risk of infection are two. Regardless of the reason, tooth extractions are performed painlessly, with an anesthetic administered right at the site so you don’t feel a thing.

Tooth extraction is a relatively quick procedure with either local, general, intravenous anesthesia, or a combination. Removing visible teeth is a simple extraction. Teeth that are broken, below the surface, or impacted require a more involved procedure. After the tooth is completely extracted, your dentist will use gauze to keep it from bleeding too much. Then, it’s up to you to take care of your mouth post-extraction.

For the first few days of healing, you should stay away from solid food. Keep applesauce, yogurt, pudding, and soup on hand to eat while you’re recovering. Avoid smoking and keep brushing your teeth and flossing as usual to keep your mouth healthy.