A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket permanently, which can be done either manually or surgically. When other treatments, such as root canal therapy, have failed to save the tooth, extraction is recommended to prevent infection from spreading to other parts of your mouth. It can also be used to remove extra teeth.
Why Is It Necessary to Extract Tooth?
Tooth Extraction Process
There are two types of extraction process;
1. Simple Extraction
A simple extraction is when a tooth that is visible in your mouth is extracted. Simple extractions are commonly performed by a general dentist. A simple extraction involves numbing the tooth and gum tissue and loosening the tooth with an elevator before removing it with dental forceps.
2. Surgical Extraction
A surgical extraction is a more involved procedure for removing a tooth that has broken off at the gum line or has not yet entered the mouth. Surgical extractions are usually performed by oral surgeons, but they can also be done by general dentists. The doctor will make a small incision (cut) into your gum and remove the underlying tooth during a surgical extraction.
Things to follow after tooth extraction Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth extraction in adults is indicated if you have any of the following dental problems:
Overcrowding can occur when the upper and lower jaw overlap or when you don’t have enough space in your mouth. Our dentist can recommend teeth pulling in preparation for orthodontics – a procedure done to align the teeth.Visit our partners,shoes – leaders in fashionable footwear!
- Impacted wisdom is the primary reason why we perform a tooth extraction. The wisdom teeth are the last to set in and sometimes they may become entrapped under the jaw. Tooth extraction is ideal not only because the wisdom causes pain, but also because they can affect your dental structure.
- Dental decay can affect the pulp and teeth creating the need for an extraction. We primarily perform the root canal procedure to get rid of decay and infection. However, when the teeth are severely damaged, we can extract the teeth to save the dental structure.
- Broken teeth can also require extraction if the structure, roots, and nerves beneath the teeth are severely damaged.
- Periodontal diseases can cause teeth to weaken or loosen making tooth extraction procedures necessary.
The extraction process is different depending on the severity of the dental problem. The procedure can either be simple or surgical. Simple extractions are straightforward and easily performed. The dentist will numb the gum with local anesthesia and using special pliers the teeth will be pulled. The dentist will then sanitize and stitch the gums to facilitate healing.
Though the healing time will depend on the type of surgery and the location of the teeth, you should expect to recover in seven to 14 days. The recovery time at times can take longer as the bone grows in the gum.
A blood clot will form in the extracted gum. The blood clot helps with healing and it is important to protect it. If the blood clot dislodges or breaks, it can expose the gum causing dry socket. Not only will it affect the healing process, but the socket can also cause bad breath and pain.
It is normal to feel slight discomfort after the anesthesia wears off. Furthermore, you will have swelling and residual bleeding 24 hours after the extraction. The bleeding will clear up on its own, however, if it doesn’t stop four hours after the procedure calls our dentist immediately.
Also watch out for infection symptoms, redness, excessive discharge, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, coughs, or chest pain.
Aftercare will affect your healing time, so follow the dentist’s instructions. Here are a few tips:
- Take pain relievers
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling
- Use saline water to rinse of the gum
- Don’t use a straw to avoid breaking the blood clot
- Elevate the head to stop bleeding
- Eat foods that require less chewing
- Brush and floss your teeth as you normally do, but avoid the site
- Limit activity for 24 to 48 hours
When the gaps in between your teeth are left unfilled, they can cause the surrounding teeth to shift thereby weakening the structure. It is recommended to fill the spaces with veneers, bridges, or dental implants. All these dental solutions can work, so speak to the dentist on which one is suitable for you.