Tooth extraction is a common dental
procedure that can effectively remove a damaged tooth. When a tooth decays and
becomes damaged beyond repair, simple fillings may not be adequate to restore
the function of the tooth.
In those cases, the damaged tooth is
pulled out from the underlying bony socket – a process called a tooth
extraction.
When
is a Tooth Extraction Needed?
Tooth extraction is the best option if a dental filling, crowning or other repair options fail. Other indications of
getting a tooth extraction include:
- A loose tooth that cannot be salvaged even when bone grafting is done
- Dental infection that isn’t responding to antibiotics and standard
medical treatment
- An extra tooth growing that block other teeth
- Delayed eruption of permanent teeth in a child
- Making room for teeth in proper alignment before getting braces
- Cancer treatment that involves radiation to the head and neck region,
and chemotherapy that can weaken teeth.
- Painful wisdom teeth
that become infected
What
Are the Types of Extraction?
Tooth extraction can be done in one of
two ways: a simple extraction which is performed directly from the mouth, or a
surgical extraction which is done through making a cut or incision in your
gums.
In most cases, a simple extraction will
be required. However, if the tooth is broken at the gum line, then the more
complex surgical technique might be needed instead.
How
is a Tooth Extraction Done?
As scary as pulling out a tooth sounds,
tooth extraction is actually a very safe and comfortable process. Regardless of
your reason for getting a tooth extraction, you can expect the tooth to be out
within 20-40 minutes.
The treatment takes place in multiple
steps:
A complete patient history is taken, and examination done, including a
thorough medical/drug history.
Our dentists then take X-rays of your teeth to plan the most suitable
way of extracting your tooth.
If there is any evidence of infection or if you have sensitive gums,
our dentists may prescribe you an appropriate antibiotic course before the
procedure
The extraction is done under anesthesia – usually intravenous local
anesthesia. If general anesthesia is indicated, patients are prepared accordingly.
The entire tooth extraction is comfortable and takes only about half an
hour.
What
to Expect After an Extraction?
After a tooth extraction is done, you
will be required to keep a piece of gauze in your mouth for around 30 minutes.
This is done to prevent clot formation and bleeding.
Simple tooth extractions are generally
painless; however, our dentists will prescribe simple painkillers for a few
days after the procedure. On the other hand, surgical extractions can be more
painful and will require a higher dose of painkillers.
A light diet and clear fluids are
recommended for the first few days after tooth extraction.
If you feel unusual pain or bleeding in
the area of the removed tooth even after a few days, contact us at Wellness
Dental Studio for a follow-up.