Tooth extraction is the permanent removal of the tooth from its socket that has been infected or decayed, which is way beyond any kind of repair such as filling and crown. Tooth extraction is performed to remove an extra tooth blocking the way of other teeth or eliminating the baby tooth that is taking too much time to come out. Sometimes wisdom teeth that come in late 20’s, need to be removed, if they are infected and causing pain.
Procedure of Tooth Extraction
Before starting the procedure, your dentist will take x-ray of the area in order to plan the best way to extract the defected tooth as it gives clear images of infection, any kind of bone disease or relationship of the infected tooth with upper or lower teeth. It is advisable to tell the doctor about your medical history and current prescriptions or any allergic reaction to certain medications in order to avoid complications during or after the treatment.
You will be given general anesthesia to put you to sleep during the procedure as it may provide severe pain. For some special conditions, you may be given antibiotics as well. Typically, there are two types of tooth extraction.
Simple extraction: Procedure to remove the tooth done by general dentists, which can be seen in the mouth.
Surgical extraction: A more complex procedure to remove the tooth, which is broken from the gum line and cannot be seen in the mouth. It is performed by oral surgeons and may require making an incision in the gum or cutting the tooth in half for removing it.
Simple extractions can be performed by injecting local anesthesia without any drugs to make you relaxed, however, for a surgical extraction, you will receive local anesthesia or general anesthesia through a vein, which will put you to sleep. Depending on the severity of the infection, the doctor will perform the operation. You may feel pressure but no pain during the procedure. If you do feel pain, tell the doctor. The surgeon will cut the gum and bone tissues covering the tooth, and loosen it with the help of forceps. It the tooth is hard to lose, the doctor sometimes breaks the tooth in pieces to pull it out.
Once the tooth is removed, a blood clots form in the socket, which will be stopped by using a pack of gauze that you will need to bite. The opening is then closed with stitches.
Tooth extraction also involves some risks and side effects, if the procedure isn’t performed properly. These complications could be:
Damage to nearby teeth or tissues
A hole in the sinus
Post operative care
You will be given proper guidance and instructions on how you can take care of your jaw. If you have any questions, ask them before you leave for home.
Feeling discomfort for a few days after the extraction is pretty common. You will be given anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers to make you feel comfortable. Take them as prescribed.
Your activities will be limited for a couple of days after the procedure. Rinse your mouth with salt water solution after 24 hours.
Avoid smoking and eat soft foods such as pudding, soup, yogurt, etc. You can add solid foods gradually in your diet.
Brush and floss your teeth regularly but gently and avoid the extraction area to prevent bleeding and infection.