If you have been advised to have a tooth extraction, it might be a daunting and nerve-wracking experience. But relax. Do you know that tooth extraction is a relatively standard dental procedure performed worldwide?
Extraction is the process of removal of your tooth from its socket in the jaw bone. The procedure is carried out when extensive damage has been done to the tooth.
If you need a dental extraction, the exact procedure might be required which will depend on various factors. These factors could include the tooth condition and its location in your mouth.
The majority of extractions your dentist does are ‘routine’, which means that the extractions are relatively straightforward, and no complications are anticipated. However, teeth that are harder to remove might require ‘surgical’ extraction procedures.
Here, we have discussed the tooth extraction process in detail to help you prepare for your upcoming procedure.
What to Expect During Tooth Extraction
Dentists and endodontics will perform your tooth extraction. Endodontics are dentists who have specialized training to perform surgery.
Generally, the extraction procedure is usually safe. But the method might allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Moreover, there is also a risk of contracting a gum tissue infection.
It is good to share your medications and medical history with your dentist. Especially if you have a history of bacterial endocarditis, liver disease, your damaged or artificial heart valves, artificial joints, such as impaired immune system, a hip replacement, or a congenital heart defect.
Before proceeding with extraction, if it is caused due to tooth decay, your dentist will numb the area. The area where the tooth removal will be numbed by giving local anesthesia.
Your dentist might have to cut away the gum and bone tissue covering the tooth. Then they will grasp the tooth using dental forceps and gently rock it back and forth to loosen it from the jaw bone and the adjoining ligaments.
In case your tooth is a hard-to-pull tooth, then it might have to be removed in pieces. Post extraction, blood clotting might take place in the socket. Your dentist will pack a gauze pad in the socket in such a case.
Your dentists might also place some self-dissolving stitches to close the edges of your gum over the extracted area. In some cases, the bone in the socket is exposed if the clot in the socket breaks. Your dentist might place a sedative dressing over the socket in such a scenario. A dressing will protect the wound if a new clot formation takes place.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
There are two kinds of extraction procedures. They are, namely, routine or simple extractions, and another is surgical.
a. Simple or Routine Tooth Extraction Procedure
The majority of extractions are routine. It effectively means that the procedure is fairly straightforward, and there is no anticipation of any problems. Any general dentist can carry out your routine extraction procedure. Before extracting your tooth, they will take an X-ray of your tooth and the entire jaw.
If your dentist finds a severely spread infection in the area, they might give you an antibiotic. In a routine extraction, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth entirely to have no sensation. Your extraction could also be a wisdom teeth extraction.
During the process, the tooth is loosened with an instrument, and simultaneously, the socket is widened. Your dentist will then use forceps slowly yet firmly to remove the tooth from the socket. You might usually feel pressure during the procedure, but you will not experience any pain. If you feel any sharp or pinching pain, you should immediately inform your dentist.
On completion of extraction, your dentist will verify and ensure that the socket is clean. Finally, they will place gauze on the socket to stop any bleeding. The dentist will also ensure that bleeding stops and give instructions on aftercare.
b. Surgical Tooth Extraction Procedure
A surgical extraction is primarily a complex procedure for extracting a tooth that might have broken off at the gum line. Your oral surgeon will generally perform a surgical procedure.
However, general dentists can also perform an extraction procedure. During a surgical extraction, your doctor will make a small incision into your gum and remove the underlying damaged tooth. Post extraction, your dentist will use stitches to close the wound.
You might also require additional procedures that may be necessary to control the bleeding. The surgeon or dentist will place a thick layer of gauze over the extraction site and will ask you to bite on it to absorb the blood and start the clotting process.
A surgical extraction becomes necessary with your more difficult teeth to remove. Few examples are below:
- If it is very little or no tooth remaining above the gum, you might need an extraction. If the damaged tooth hides beneath the gum tissue or bone, your surgeon might need to cut away the gum or remove the bone’s obstructing area.
- When your tooth has a huge root or a curve under the gum, extraction is necessary.
- The tooth is impacted or has not yet erupted, such as in a wisdom tooth. In such a case, you might need a surgical extraction procedure that is more complex as compared to that of a routine extraction procedure.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
How to manage pain after your extraction? You will most likely feel discomfort, soreness, or pain after your extraction. It is quite normal, and your face may also have some swelling.
Therefore, you should keep taking the painkillers prescribed by your dentist as they might help reduce these signs and symptoms. Your dentist may also recommend a number of over-the-counter medications. If your pain and discomfort does not subside within a couple of days after the extraction, you need to contact your dentist.
If your pain suddenly worsens, you should call your dentist immediately so that they can help prevent infection in the treated area. Discussed below are methods to help reduce discomfort and promote healing.
a Changing Dental Gauzes
Immediately after an extraction, your dentist might lay a thick layer of gauze over your gum from where the tooth has been extracted.
If you bite down on the gauze with firm pressure, it may help control bleeding. You should leave the gauze in place for at least half an hour. You then need to replace the gauze whenever it becomes soaked with blood. At times you can expect the bleeding to continue for 1 – 2 days post-surgery.
b Controlling pain
The local anesthetic might cause numbness, due to which it should only last for a few hours following your extraction. In case the numbness persists, seek your doctor’s advice. Your dentist will prescribe medication to alleviate pain and inflammation after the extraction.
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen should be enough to control your pain after a routine extraction.
c Controlling swelling
You might experience mild facial swelling in the area of the extraction. Do not worry. You can apply an ice pack to the face as it might help reduce the swelling. 2183826771
d Avoiding disturbing the extraction site
You should remember that the first 24 hours after your extraction are very crucial. A dry socket may happen after an extraction, which is painful. Disturbing or irritating the area can prevent blood clots from forming effectively and can slow down your healing process.
You should avoid the following activities:
- Avoid touching the extraction area with your tongue.
- Do not suck on your extraction site.
- Avoid using a straw as it could disturb the site.
- Do not eat solid, crisp, and crunchy food.
- Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously.
- Also, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol.
- Do not smoke.
e Eating carefully
After your extraction:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Try eating soft food that is easy to chew.
- When chewing becomes comfortable, try to reintroduce solid foods slowly. Your dentist will recommend chewing on the side opposite the extraction site until your wound has fully healed.
Brushing and Flossing
You should continue to brush and floss as usual after your extraction procedure. But be careful not to disturb the blood clotting process.
After the day of the surgery, you can start rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. You can prepare salt water by adding a teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water. The salt water prevents any infection from happening.
Final Thoughts
The tooth extraction process is not complex. After a healing period of one to two weeks, you should be able to return back to your regular diet. New gum tissue and bone will start growing in the extraction site, and the wound will slowly heal. You can take several steps to help speed up the recovery process.
Ultimately, it is crucial to avoid irritation or to disturb the extraction site for a few days. However, having a missing tooth might cause your other teeth to shift and affect your bite.
You can ask your dentist about replacing the extracted tooth. Because your dentist is the right person to suggest the best procedure. Options could include an implant, denture, or even a fixed bridge. It is also essential to get regular dental checkups and examinations done to save your teeth from reaching a severe condition.
a. Simple or Routine Tooth Extraction Procedure
