You might have heard of tooth extraction. This is the method in which your tooth has to be removed from the socket. It can either be surgical extraction or simple extraction.
There can be a number of reasons as to why this is needed. You will either need to remove a tooth because of some infection in the mouth or to prevent infection spread. Or you want to get a wisdom tooth removed. But there can be other reasons besides just these two.
When you are suffering from excessive tooth decay, and this is followed by severe toothache, then you probably need some surgery done.
This process is done through a dentist or an oral surgeon. And you will need the best to get it done. Because it is very important for your dental health to make it right.
In this article, I am going to be talking in detail about what is a tooth extraction process. And how it is done either through local or general anesthesia.
So let’s get into the details of it:
What is Tooth Extraction:
This is a process in which you remove one or more teeth from the mouth. It is done through a dental surgeon. It isn’t the same as having milk teeth taken out as they happen on their own. You don’t need a doctor’s intervention in that process. It is a natural process in which they come out and give way for the permanent teeth to come through.
So let me talk to you about the various reasons for which you will have this process done
Reasons for Pulling Teeth
Your permanent teeth are called permanent because they are supposed to last a lifetime.
And there are a number of reasons as to why you will be needing a tooth extraction. One of the common reasons is that you have to get it done because you have a poorly damaged tooth. It has happened because it was decaying for a long time or it became injured. And there is no chance for you to have it repaired. In such cases, the only option left is to remove the tooth completely. It is to combat gum disease as well.
Crowded Mouth
This is yet another reason why you will need to have your teeth removed. It is when you have too many teeth and there is possible crowding in the mouth. You will need to get the appointment from your orthodontist and get a orthodontia done.
This helps to certain extent but it is not possible if you have teeth which are very big. Also if there is a tooth which is not breaking through the gum, as it is not having enough room to do so, your doctor will suggest that you get it completely taken out. It is again the last resort especially if this tooth is in front and it is visible when you open your mouth.
Tooth Infection
Lastly you will need to have this procedure done in case of an infection. Tooth infection is something which can spell disaster for you. When the tooth decay is not in control and the plaque is now not possible to remove, then this damage also moves onto the pulp. This is the center of the tooth. It is a medical condition which needs immediate attention.
It contains the nerves and blood vessels. When the bacteria from the food enters the pulp, it will lead to what is called an infection.
Now in most cases this can be well-taken care of by making use of a root canal therapy. But if the teeth are severely damaged and there is no coming back from them, then you will need to have this treatment done. RCT is good to an extent. If you are not responding to the medications and antibiotics, then this means that there is no cure for your tooth and you will have to pull it out.
Infection Risk
Lastly, the reason why you will possibly have to pull your tooth out is when there is risk for an infection. When you are having certain medical treatments and procedures done on you, you will be needing to take on antibiotics and medicines. Sometimes there can be a slight risk that you will suffer from an infection.
When this happens it can disrupt and impact all your teeth. So it will be a wise decision to have the problem tooth completely pulled out from the mouth.
This is in the case of periodontal disease-it is the illness which hits on the gums and tissues which is surrounding your teeth. It can also lead to the loosening of the teeth and you need to remove them completely, as in certain cases it wont be possible to save them.
So how does this process happen? Let’s get into the details of what is tooth extraction and how have surgeons been trying to perfect its way of performance.
How is Tooth Extraction Done?
This is a medical process which is to be done by dental surgeons who have plenty of experience in it. If done through an amateur dentist, it can spell quite a few complications for you.
A special training is done to perfect this art of dental work. So how this happens is before the dentist pulls the tooth, he/she will be giving you an injection of a local anesthetic. This is done so to numb your area in which the surgery will be taking place.
After this your dentist will be using general anesthetic. It is important because it will prevent you from feeling any pain. It is like your body starts to go numb and soon you will feel drowsy, even possibly go to sleep during the procedure. For 24 hours, the effect will remain.
Complicated Cases for Pulling Tooth
In case your tooth is impacted, then the dentist will have to cut through the gum and bone tissue. This is because it is covering the tooth. They will then use forceps and hold onto the tooth hard. Your surgeon will then move it back and forth till is starts to loosen from the jaw bone.
In case there is a tooth which is stubborn and very hard to pull out, your surgeon will do this in steps. They will remove the tooth in pieces.
When the tooth has come out, a blood clot will form. This is a very important step of your dental care. You need this blood clot to ensure that there will be proper healing. When the tooth is removed, immediately you will have to bite down on a gauze pad. This will help to stop the bleeding. Also sometimes you will be needed to even apply a few stiches.
These stiches are actually self-dissolving. And are done so near where the tooth is pulled out. It is not troublesome and can also make the healing process go faster.
What Causes Dry Socket?
In certain cases, there can be a situation in which the blood clot from the socket gets imbalanced and loses its position. When this happens, it will expose the bone in the socket. It is what we call dry socket and it is a painful situation.
If this happens to you, it is best that you visit a dentist quickly. You will be placing a sedative dressing on this socket. And it will lead to a new clot formation so that the healing process can begin.
So now let’s move onto the next step- once you have had the tooth pulled out, what happens next? Naturally it is the healing process and you too can speed up the process. Learn how:
Healing Mechanism- When the Tooth is Pulled Out
So once the tooth has been take care of, what’s next?
It doesn’t end there. The recovery needs time and some careful consideration from your end. It can actually take a few days also. Once the effect of the anesthesia leaves you, you will feel the pain shoot through the operated area. Make use of an ice pack to help keep the area numb.
But don’t worry- there are some ways in which you can reduce the discomfort and also minimize the risk of infection. These are:
- Your doctor will be prescribing you pain medications. It is important that you take them regularly.
- You should bite firmly on the gauze pad as it will reduce the bleeding and keep it in your mouth for the time your doctor has said so. This is usually for 3 to 4 hours after the tooth is taken out.
- Using an ice bag is also very helpful. Use it on the affected area after procedure. It will help to keep the swelling in control.
- Once the process is done. You need to relax and limit your activity.
- Don’t rinse your mouth or spit after the tooth is taken out. As this can actually dislodge the clot.
- Do not drink from the straw
- Also avoid smoking for a day or two after getting your tooth taken out
- It is best that you soft foods for a few days after the process. Like pudding, yogurt, ice-cream
- When you are lying in bed, prop your head up so that it does not prolong bleeding
- You can continue to brush and floss but try avoiding the extraction site
Conclusion
Tooth extraction is a very common procedure. And an important one. You will need to carry it when your tooth is in a condition that it cannot be saved. Sometimes it is the only way to keep your dental and oral hygiene in order. The method of doing this is simple but there are certain precautions you have to follow.
Also when it comes to the healing mechanism, you need to adapt certain ways to ensure it is done in the optimal way. This article was looking into all that you need to know about a successful tooth extraction process.
