What kind of surgeon removes tonsils?

If tonsils are chronically inflamed and infected, the ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor will recommend removal. Tonsillectomy is a fairly simple procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis. ENTs may perform many tonsil surgery procedures each year, but they don't always do it the same way.

Do ENT take tonsils out?

Tonsil surgery, also known as a tonsillectomy, is one of the most common forms of surgery around. Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists are well-versed in performing tonsil surgery, but the procedure is usually associated with children because they are most impacted by tonsil problems.

Is getting your tonsils removed a major surgery?

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. It is a major surgery that can lead to serious complications such as bleeding, dehydration, and vomiting.

How long is tonsil surgery recovery?

A tonsillectomy may also be necessary to treat breathing and other problems related to enlarged tonsils and to treat rare diseases of the tonsils. Recovery time for a tonsillectomy is usually at least 10 days to two weeks.

How long do you stay in the hospital after tonsil surgery?

Many kids go home the same day, though some may stay overnight. In general, kids under 3 years old and those with serious sleep problems (like apnea) usually stay overnight. Depending on the type of surgery done, recovery after a tonsillectomy may take a week or more.

Tonsillectomy

Can a dentist perform tonsillectomy?

Although dentists don't remove tonsils, there are a number of different procedures that can be done by your dentist or oral surgeon. These can include tooth extractions, pathology/biopsy, dental implants, exposing and bonding, bone/soft tissue grafting, crowns, veneers, root canals, and deep cleanings.

How long does tonsil surgery take?

The surgery takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, but the recovery from anesthesia can take a few hours. Your child might be prescribed medications after the surgery. Your child might need a blood test before the surgery to see if he or she has any increased risk for bleeding.

Do I need a referral for a tonsillectomy?

No, you or your child can visit an ENT doctor without a referral. If your family hasn't visited the doctor for throat concerns before, consider starting with a visit to a primary care doctor or pediatrician . Both types of doctors regularly treat common throat concerns like strep, tonsillitis and swollen tonsils.

What are the cons of getting tonsils removed?

Having your tonsils removed is associated with discomfort and risks: The wound may hurt and swallowing may be painful after the operation. About 20 to 50 out of 100 children say they have severe pain afterwards. Temporary nausea, vomiting, swallowing problems and loss of taste might occur.

How do you remove tonsils at home?

What is a good age to get your tonsils removed?

A child at any age can have a tonsillectomy if the indications are severe. However, surgeons generally wait until children are 3 years old to remove tonsils because the risk of dehydration and bleeding is greater among small children.

Do you have to wear a hospital gown for a tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomies are mostly performed as a same-day surgery. 2 This means that you will go home the same day that you have your tonsils removed. You should wear loose comfortable clothing to the surgical center.

How painful is getting your tonsils out?

Tonsillectomy causes mild or moderate pain in most people. However, a few people may experience severe pain for the first two days after the surgery. On the third day, the pain may start subsiding. However, some may still experience severe pain on the third or seventh day after the surgery.

Why is a tonsillectomy worse for adults?

Adults also report experiencing more pain than children after a tonsillectomy. This could be related to adults have more scar tissue on their tonsils, making them more difficult to remove. Scar tissue builds on the tonsils with each infection, and adults have had more time to accumulate scar tissue.

Do doctors or dentists remove tonsil stones?

If you have a difficult time removing your tonsil stones at home or simply feel uneasy doing it yourself, then your dentist can remove them for you. Dentists typically remove tonsil stones by using a professional air or water syringe, or a simple tongue depressor.

Do you see a doctor or dentist for tonsil stones?

If you suspect that you have tonsil stones, or if you see growths on your tonsils that look like they may be tonsil stones, you should see your doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss your treatment options. “Typically, people will see a primary-care physician or dentist first,” says Setlur.

How does Q Tip get rid of tonsil stones?

Firstly, wet the end of the q-tip (makes it more sticky to the stone) and press against the bottom of the stone trying to pop them out of place. Using a mirror and a flashlight can help. An electric toothbrush tends to work a little better due to the vibration. Try to get under the stone and loosen them out.

Are you put to sleep for tonsil removal?

A tonsillectomy can be performed in many ways. The surgery will be performed under general anesthesia while you are sleeping. The surgery usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will not feel any pain while the doctor is removing the tonsils.

Can you talk after tonsil removal?

At first, your voice may sound different. Your voice probably will get back to normal in 2 to 6 weeks. It's common for people to lose weight after this surgery.

What can you eat after tonsil surgery?

Stick to soft, easy-to-swallow foods, such as applesauce, custard, yogurt, creamy breakfast cereals (oatmeal, Malt-o-Meal), pudding, soup, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, refried beans, and pureed fruits. Most people stick to a soft diet for a day or two after surgery. After that, you can try introducing other foods.

What is the best pain medication after a tonsillectomy?

∎ Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are available over the counter at most grocery or drug stores. Alternating doses keep most children comfortable enough to stay hydrated. acetaminophen every 6 hours, and ibuprofen every 6 hours (i.e. take acetaminophen and wait 3 hours, then take ibuprofen and wait 3 hours. Repeat.).

Is it OK to cough after tonsillectomy?

Is it normal for my child to have a cough after tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy? Coughs can be common, primarily after the first several hours post-op due to having a breathing tube during surgery.

Why you shouldn't remove tonsils?

After tonsil or adenoid removal, the researchers found a two- to three-times increase in diseases of the upper respiratory tract. They identified smaller increases in risks for infectious and allergic diseases. Following adenotonsillectomy, the risk for infectious diseases rose 17 percent.

Can tonsils grow back?

It is possible for tonsils to partially grow back. During a tonsillectomy, most of the tonsils are removed. However, some tissue often remains, so tonsils occasionally can regenerate (regrow) — although they probably won't grow back completely or to their original size.

Can you bleed to death from tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is said to be “the ultimate test of hemostasis.” Hemorrhage can lead to shock, airway obstruction, and death (those sound bad).