TOOTH EXTRACTION
Tooth extraction is done by a dentist, an oral surgeon or a periodontist. It involves removing the problematic tooth from the gum socket and the underlying bone. The most common problems that lead to tooth extraction are tooth decay, gum disease, crowded teeth, impacted teeth and tooth breakage. The three types of extractions are simple extractions, impacted tooth extractions, and removal of the root of the tooth. To do this the dentist will use forceps and elevators. Sometimes if the tooth is rigidly held, then the bone fragments may have to be removed as well.
Risks associated with tooth extraction: There are several risks associated with tooth extraction: They are pain, inflammation, bleeding, infection, alignment problems, bite collapse, extended healing, dry socket, nerve injury, etc. The entire extraction procedure takes anywhere between 20 to 40 minutes i.e. from giving the anesthetic to stitching (if needed).
A tooth extraction is a procedure that a dentist performs when a tooth cannot be completely removed from the socket in the jawbone. It is performed to improve and maintain your oral health.
When is a tooth extracted?
A tooth may be extracted for various reasons. It can prepare you for planting braces and retainers and removing wisdom teeth when the mouth is congested, or if it is infected and hurt to replace with a crown or filling.
When you undergo chemotherapy or radiation in the head and neck, teeth may get infected, which is why they must be extracted.
Procedure for tooth extraction
During the procedure of tooth extraction, your dentist will anesthetize the area from where it is being removed through a local anaesthetic.
The dentist may also prescribe an analgesic or administer a sedative intravenously. If the tooth has deteriorated, it may be chipped into pieces before it can be removed.
Types of tooth extraction
There are two types of tooth extraction: simple and surgical.
A simple tooth extraction entails removing a tooth that you can see in the mouth. Either it is badly damaged or has decayed. It must be removed before placing braces.
Any dentist can carry out simple tooth extractions. Here, local anaesthesia is administered. However, it is sufficient if you take medication that is available over the counter to reduce the pain after the procedure.
Surgical tooth extraction entails the removal of teeth by a dental surgeon through the operation. This set of teeth is not visible to others, as they are yet to emerge or have broken and remain in your mouth.
If you suffer from any special conditions, you may be administered general anaesthesia during the tooth extraction because it involves surgery.
Precautions to take after tooth extraction
After tooth extraction of any type, follow your dental surgeon’s instructions carefully and only consume liquids until the effects of anaesthesia remain. Later, consume only soft foods during the first few days immediately after the procedure.
Also, do not brush teeth surrounding the region of tooth extraction one day after the procedure. Do, however, brush your remaining teeth. You can get back to your daily brushing routine thereafter.