A dental extraction is a procedure in which a tooth is taken out from its socket in the jawbone. It may be important because of irreversible tooth decay, infection, overcrowding, or trauma.
Dentists make extractions in order to relieve pain, manage other dental problems, or get the patient ready for braces. The thought of tooth removal may seem scary. However, modern approaches and anesthetic options guarantee the procedure is carried out in the most comfortable way possible.
The Importance Of Dental Extractions
The above procedures are fundamental to preserving overall oral hygiene in circumstances where a tooth is beyond saving with other treatments. Cases of a severely damaged tooth can lead to infection, which can spread to other parts of the mouth or body.
The removal of certain teeth can also reduce the likelihood of alignment complications, particularly when faced with wisdom teeth or when there is overcrowding. Sometimes, extractions become necessary to ensure that orthodontic treatment is required.
Types of dental extractions
The following are the fundamental types of dental extractions.
Simple Extractions
A simple extraction is done on teeth that can be seen clearly in the mouth. This type of extraction is done with local anesthesia making the procedure fast, simple, and easy to perform.
What to expect during the procedure
- The dentist will first numb the site with a local anesthetic so the patient does not feel any pain.
- After that, the dentist will use special dental tools to first loosen the tooth before using forceps to pull it out.
- After the tooth is removed, the cavity will be cleaned and gauze will be placed to stop any post-operative bleeding.
- Pain after a simple extraction is minimal and the recovery time is fast.
Reasons for a simple extraction
There are a number of reasons why a general dentist might decide to perform a simple extraction. The most common reason is advanced tooth which cannot be fixed with a filling or root canal. Other reasons include loose teeth caused by gum disease, fractured or irreparably damaged teeth, and removal of teeth to allow space for orthodontic work.
Surgical extractions
Some teeth, like broken teeth below the gum line or impacted teeth, are difficult to reach, which makes surgical extraction necessary. An oral surgeon will most likely carry out this type of extraction.
- Procedure overview
In a surgical extraction procedure, the gums are cut open to access the tooth. To remove the tooth more easily, it may need to be cut into sections first. Depending on how difficult the procedure is, sedation or general anesthesia may be required. Once the tooth is extracted, the site needs to be cleaned, and stitches may be required to close the wound.
- Why surgical extractions are needed
A tooth is needed and requires surgical extraction when it is not fully erupted through the gum line, which is often the case for wisdom teeth. Other teeth that may need surgical removal are due to long and curved roots, fractured teeth or if the tooth is too weak to be extracted in one piece.
Wisdom teeth extractions
Between the ages of 17 to 25, the last set of molars, also known as wisdom teeth emerge. Some people do not have problems with their wisdom teeth while others do experience pain, swelling and jaw complications due to insufficient space.
- Understanding impacted wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth become impacted when there is inadequate space for them to grow. They might grow sideways, exert pressure on adjacent teeth, or even stay stuck below the gums. The condition can result in infection, cysts, and damage to adjacent teeth.
- Risks and complications
The lack of treatment regarding impacted wisdom teeth may lead to severe problems like infections of the gums, inflammation, and restricted mouth opening. Moreover, impacted teeth can rearrange the position of other teeth, leading to misalignment issues. Due to these factors, many dentists recommend removing the wisdom teeth before they become a major problem.
Preparing For A Dental Extraction
- Consultation and assessment
Prior to extraction, a dentist will do a thorough assessment that will involve taking x-rays to check the tooth’s location relative to the surrounding structures as well as the most optimal approach for the extraction.
During the consultation session, the dentist will explain the surgical steps, associated risks, and postoperative guidelines so the patient is well-informed.
- Consent and anesthesia options
It is important to obtain informed consent before the procedure. Depending on the level of complexity, the patient may select from a range of anesthetic options. After a tooth is extracted, the patient is advised to adhere to the surgeon’s guidelines carefully to prevent complications.
Controlling blood flow from the site of extraction by applying gauze is recommended. Patients are also advised against rinsing or using a straw for the first-day post-extraction, as these are some of the things to avoid after tooth extraction.
What to Do After Tooth Extraction?
- Immediate Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Post-operative tooth extraction care is as critical as the surgery itself. Following tooth extraction, a patient’s adherence to the dentist’s instructions will determine if complications arise or if the injury sustains further damage. The patient is advised to maintain gentle pressure on the gauze pad to minimize bleeding, and they must not rinse, spit, or use a straw for a full day to allow the clot to stabilize. They must not consume any dairy products after tooth extraction, as it may cause complications.
- Pain management and handling swelling
Following a tooth extraction procedure, some level of discomfort or swelling can be experienced. It can be treated with common over-the-counter medications and ice packs placed on their jaw. To promote the desired tooth extraction healing process and ensure dental hygiene is effective, the movement must not occur.
- Identifying and managing complications
While most extractions heal without issues, a few complications can occur. These can include excess bleeding, infection, or increased pain that lasts for longer than expected. Patients should keep track of the healing of the tooth extraction process and visit their dentist if they notice any unusual symptoms.
- Understanding dry sockets
Dry sockets may happen when the blood clot formation takes place after extraction is dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves leading to nerve damage and blood clots. Wisdom tooth extraction can be very painful and may prolong healing. For dry socket, symptoms such as excruciating pain, foul-smelling breath, and an awful taste in the mouth may occur. A dentist may provide treatment to help relieve the pain and help improve healing.
- When to seek medical attention
Patients must consult the dentist in Plano when they experience intense pain, too much bleeding, early signs of infection such as fever or pus, or little or no healing after the extraction. Quick treatment is very helpful in eliminating complications, making tooth extraction recovery faster, and making it smoother.
Conclusion and Additional Considerations
- Oral health impacts of extractions
While extractions eliminate problematic teeth, they can also have long-term effects on oral health. The absence of teeth results in bite misalignment and gradual bone erosion. To overcome these consequences, dentists frequently advise the use of implants, bridges, and dentures.
- Potential alternatives to extraction
An extraction is sometimes a patient’s last option. One usually chooses root canal therapies on infected teeth, or they can crown or fill them for better usability.
Prior to deciding on tooth extraction in Plano, these alternatives should be discussed with the dentist. Tooth extractions are essential for one’s oral hygiene. However, like any extraction surgery, they require detailed strategies before and after their execution. One should always schedule an appointment for a checkup with a dental expert at Pinnacle Dental before undergoing the procedure.
