Tooth extraction is the procedure done to get rid of the dead tooth. It can happen due to various reasons, for example, decay, infection, gum disease, etc.
There are stages in a human’s life cycle where tooth extraction is done for various reasons. Crowding, decay, and infection are all reasons that cause tooth extraction. Some other reasons may include chemotherapy because patients who undergo this procedure, their oral health is compromised and they have to undergo tooth extraction. Moreover, for kids or teens that get braces, one or two teeth have to be extracted to make space for other teeth when they will shift into the place. Therefore, some of their teeth may have to be extracted. This is a very common dental procedure and it is very helpful to increase oral health and eliminate bacteria.
What is Tooth Extraction?
It is a dental procedure in which the tooth is properly and completely removed from its place. Common people also refer to this procedure as ‘teeth pulling’.
This is a simple dental procedure performed by a dentist or a dental surgeon. This is a very quick procedure that can be easily performed in the outpatient department as well. However, the procedure may differ depending on the situation of the patient’s tooth and his overall general health. There are many options for tooth extraction like general anesthesia, intravenous anesthesia, or a combination of both.
If the affected tooth is visible then the procedure is rather simpler. However, if the tooth is broken, below the surface, or infected, then a more invasive procedure is required.
When do you Need Tooth Extraction?
Dentists try their best to save natural teeth. However, in some cases, it becomes inevitable to save the teeth and extraction becomes the only option. There are some restorative methods also available that can help save the teeth from extraction but in some cases, these procedures become useless.
Some of the obvious conditions for tooth extraction are listed below.
- Fractured tooth
- Gum diseases
- Dental injuries
- Crowded tooth
The procedure of Tooth Extraction
First, your dentist will perform an X-ray of the affected tooth to see the actual situation. You also have to tell all the medications you are taking, any vitamins, or supplements, etc.
You should also inform your dentist if you have any of the following health conditions.
- Liver Disease
- Thyroid
- Heart Disease
- Hypertension
- Renal disease
- Adrenal Disease
Your dentist will devise the extraction procedure and medications according to your health condition. That is why it is important to tell your dentist about all your health conditions.
After the X-ray and other standard procedures, when you will come for the extraction, the dentist will prepare you for sedation. Many dentists provide sedation options during dental procedures to ease the patients.
Sedation
Sedation can be done by any of the following procedures.
- Nitrous Oxide: this is also known as laughing gas. Its effect is not much strong. That is why the patient can drive himself home even after the procedure.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: This sedation is done orally through the mouth. It is in the form of a pill that you have to take by mouth. Oral conscious sedation can be used in combination with nitrous oxide as well. However, after this sedation, you cannot drive.
- Intravenous (IV) Sedation: this procedure is suggested by your dentist if your procedure is going to be long and more invasive. Moreover, if you are the one with anxiety disorder, then your dentist will recommend IV sedation for you. IV sedation is the highest type of sedation because, through this type, the medication is directly entered into the bloodstream. That is why the effects are stronger and longer lasting. You will need the assistance of someone to drive you home after the procedure.
The Actual Procedure
After the patient is given anesthesia and the place of extraction becomes numb, the actual extraction process starts.
First, the dentist will make incisions if needed, around the area of the tooth to be extracted. After that, the dentist will use special instruments to extract the tooth. After the extraction of the tooth completely, he will start cleaning and disinfecting the area under the tooth. In the end, stitches are done if needed for better healing.
Aftercare
After the procedure is complete, the dentist will tell you about the aftercare. He will recommend painkillers, antibiotic mouthwash, etc. He may place a piece of gauze at the site of extraction to slow down the bleeding. The best dentist will recommend putting pressure on the gauze to form a clot and slow down the bleeding. The gauze can be taken out when the bleeding slows down. However, light bleeding is normal within the first 24 hours.
Recovery
Every tooth extraction is different but, in all cases, recovery takes a few days. However, you can follow some tips and procedures to help you recover quickly and easily.
- Ice pack is your best friend after extraction. You should apply it directly on your cheek to help reduce the swelling and pain. Use at least 10-15 minutes, twice or thrice daily.
- Keep applying pressure on the gauze pad that your dentist has placed at the point of extraction. This will help to slow down the bleeding.
- Take the medications regularly prescribed by your dentist.
- Take any prescribed painkillers to help manage pain.
- Do not smoke for the first 24 hrs.
- For the first two days, eat soft foods like overcooked rice, yogurt, custard, pudding, etc.
- Use salt water to rinse your mouth after 24 hours of the procedure.
Summing Up
Tooth extraction may seem a simple procedure but it can become very serious if not done properly or if no proper aftercare is taken. Moreover, if you are experiencing symptoms like fever, pain, drainage, pus, etc even after days of extraction, you should book an appointment with your dentist at the earliest.
