Tooth Extraction: What You Need to Know

Tooth extraction is a routine dental procedure, but it is only necessary. When you visit a dentist that pulls teeth near you, he will first examine your teeth and determine if removing them is the ideal thing to do.

What is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a procedure done to get rid of a tooth. It is often done when you have severe tooth decay, or it could come down to the fact that your tooth is broken and has been reduced to pulp, so the only option left is the extraction of the tooth.

What is The Tooth Extraction Process?

Tooth extraction is a surgical procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the alveolar bone of the jaw.

The type of tooth extraction procedure will depend on whether you need a simple extraction or if you need an operative one.

• Simple extraction

Simple extractions are performed to remove teeth that have no, or only minimal, periodontal issues. The teeth are easily accessible and can be removed without cutting the gums. Simple extractions usually do not require bone removal.

• Surgical extraction

A surgical extraction is used when a tooth is not visible or accessible. In this technique, the dentist may make an incision to raise the soft tissues surrounding the tooth. Surgical extractions are done under general anesthesia.

Bone removal from around the tooth is also required to allow access to the root and often requires surgical packing.

Complications associated with simple extractions are generally less common than those associated with the surgical removal of impacted teeth. Some surgical procedures can be carried out under local anesthesia, while others may only be possible using sedation or general anesthetic.

When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

If your tooth has been severely damaged or decayed, it will probably need to be removed. Tooth extraction is necessary when the pulp in the tooth’s center has become exposed.

The exposed pulp can lead to infection, so it must be removed immediately.

Impacted wisdom teeth, overcrowded, and delayed primary teeth are reasons for getting a tooth pulled.

Risks And Benefits of Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions are done when they are necessary, but at the same time, it’s important to know all of the risks involved.

There are always risks involved with general anesthesia, but it is rare for a person to have a serious complication. The dentist and nurse administering the anesthetic will monitor you closely throughout the procedure. If you have concerns, be sure to ask your dentist about any risks that may apply to you before the tooth extraction.

When a tooth is removed, it can cause bleeding if the area isn’t treated immediately after surgery. There are many gauzes and other materials available from your dentist to help control bleeding. Call your dentist immediately if the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15-20 minutes.

Don’t be surprised if you experience some swelling and discomfort over the next few days or if you find it difficult to eat or drink directly after surgery. Your dentist will provide you with pain medications, so continue taking them as instructed by the dentist.

What To Do After the Tooth Extraction Procedure?

Your dentist will provide you with specific discharge instructions after the tooth extraction surgery, but it may include some common-sense steps that you can follow.

You will need to keep your head elevated for at least an hour to reduce swelling and pressure around the surgical site. As far as pain is concerned, you should be in a position to use prescribed pain medication orally or use pain-relieving ice packs.

It is ideal to avoid drinking through straws or anything else that requires you to suck for the first 24 hours after your surgery because this may irritate your surgical site and cause bleeding.

You will need to brush your teeth gently around the surgical site, but not over it.

Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously as the surgical site needs to heal. Rinse gently with salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt+8 oz water).

You may also want to use a straw for drinking if you feel like it will help you restrict spitting or rinsing. You should avoid smoking for at least one week after your surgery to allow for proper healing.

It is best not to do any strenuous activity for the first week after your surgery because this might pull or cause pressure on your surgical site which can cause bleeding. Do not blow-dry or yell over the area either, especially if you have newly sutured teeth.

Schedule An Appointment

Visit Sanborn Dental Associates for more information on tooth extraction procedures and what you can expect during and after.