Tooth Extraction 101: In-Depth Details
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure whereby your dentist removes your whole tooth including the roots from the gum. A tooth removal procedure can be simple or surgical.
Simple tooth extraction can be done in your dentist’s office. In most cases, the tooth that needs removal is visible therefore your dentist will not require to operate your gum. The dentist will only use local anesthesia to numb the area of the extraction.
When you require a more complex tooth extraction, your dentist might refer you to an oral surgeon. Surgical tooth extraction is mostly for impacted wisdom teeth. Surgery can also be used when removing a broken tooth from the jaw and gum.
Tooth Extraction Procedures
The several reasons you might need a tooth extraction:
Crowded Mouth Tooth Removal
Sometimes, a dentist will recommend extraction if there are too many teeth in your mouth. Too many teeth can push others in different positions, making them more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. You might also need teeth removal for orthodontic purposes such as braces and Invisalign.
Decayed or Abscessed Tooth Removal
If your tooth is decayed or abscessed, you will need a filling. However, the damage might be irreversible, thus you will have to get your tooth removed.
Broken Tooth Removal
In case your tooth is broken, the effects might be irreversible. Therefore, your dentist might recommend a tooth extraction. He or she will then replace the removed tooth with a dental implant.
Infected Tooth Removal
Sometimes your teeth might be at the risk of infection. If you are using cancer drugs, you might be at risk of infections since they lower your immunity.
What Should I Expect During a Tooth Extraction?
A dentist will perform a simple extraction while an oral surgeon performs complex tooth extraction procedures. Before removing your tooth, the dentist will inject local anesthesia on the site of extraction. During a wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist might consider stronger general anesthesia. General anesthesia puts you to sleep and prevent pain in the whole body.
If your tooth is impacted, an oral surgeon will begin by cutting and incision on your gum. He or she will then remove any bone blocking view of the tooth. Next, the oral surgeon will divide the tooth into pieces. Finally, he or she will remove the pieces, clean the socket, and stitch it to promote healing.
If it’s simple tooth extraction, the dentist will use forceps to remove the tooth.
Discussion with Your Dentist Before a Tooth Extraction
Although tooth extraction is safe, there are some risks associated with the procedure. The gum might be at risk of infections due to an open socket. If you have another condition that puts you at risk of infection, talk to your specialist about it. Your dentist will advise you on how to proceed.
Your dentist should know your medical history. Some of the conditions that might put you at risk are:
- Congenital heart disease
- Damaged heart valves
- Weakened immune system
- Liver cirrhosis
- Bacterial endocarditis
- Hip joint replacement
After Tooth Extraction
After a tooth removal procedure, your dentist will send you home for recovery. The recovery period might go up to two weeks, depending on how invasive it is. To reduce discomfort, pain, and quicken recovery, a Burlington dentist recommends the following:
- Take pain relievers as prescribed by your doctor
- Firmly bite or squeeze on the gauze placed over the socket, to prevent excessive bleeding
- Place a cold compress over the affected area to reduce swelling
- Take a 24 hours rest after the procedure and minimizes activity on the following day
- Do not rinse your mouth or spit forcefully to avoid dislodging the blood clot
- Avoid using any tobacco products
- Do not use a straw to drink
- Eat soft foods
- Continue with you brushing and flossing routine until recovery
- Prop your head with pillows when lying down
When Should I Visit a Dentist Near Me?
If you experience complications after the procedure, it is advisable to contact your dentist. You can contact an emergency dentist if your condition requires urgent dental care.
Keeping your teeth clean will be a step towards strong and healthy mouth. Therefore you can consider dental cleanings and other preventive procedures at Woodview Family Dentistry.