Getting a tooth pulled may sound a bit scary, but it's actually a common dental procedure. This article breaks down tooth extraction, which is the removal of a tooth from its socket. Don't worry; it's a routine thing in dentistry. Check out our guide on tooth extraction to ease any nerves and get ready for your upcoming procedure.
Often, a broken or decayed tooth can be fixed with a filling, crown, or other dental treatments. But if the damage is too much, your dentist might suggest removing the tooth.
Here are some other reasons why tooth extraction could be needed:
The tooth has deep decay or infection
There's not sufficient space for all your teeth in your mouth.
Trauma or injury
Baby teeth don't fall out in time for the permanent ones to come in
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are often removed either before or after they come in.
Preparation
Before taking out a tooth, your dentist will carefully go through your medical and dental history and conduct necessary X-rays. X-rays show the tooth's length, shape, and position in relation to the surrounding bone. With this information, the dentist can decide the best approach for removal or whether to refer you to an oral surgeon.
For a simple extraction, the area around your tooth will be numbed using local anesthetic. In more complex cases, known as surgical extraction, an oral surgeon may use intravenous (IV) anesthesia, ranging from conscious sedation to general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep. If the latter is used, it's essential to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you until the effects wear off.
Extraction Process
Two types of extractions you might have:
Simple Extraction
It involves taking out a tooth that you can see in your mouth. Simple extractions are often done by a general dentist. In this procedure, your dentist will numb the tooth and gum tissue, then gently loosen the tooth using an instrument called an elevator before removing it with dental forceps.
Surgical Extraction
This is a more intricate process done for a tooth that may have broken off at the gum line or hasn't emerged in the mouth yet. Typically, oral surgeons handle surgical extractions, but general dentists can also perform them. In a surgical extraction, the dentist makes a small incision (cut) in your gum and removes the underlying tooth.
After the Removal
The key focus after a tooth extraction is to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection. Right after the procedure, your dentist may ask you to gently bite down on sterile gauze for 30 to 45 minutes to control bleeding as clotting occurs. Your dentist will give you detailed aftercare instructions, advising against smoking, vigorous rinsing, or cleaning the adjacent teeth for the first 24 hours.
Expect some discomfort post-extraction. Your dentist might suggest or prescribe painkillers, and applying an ice pack can help reduce swelling. It's advisable to avoid strenuous activities, hot liquids, and drinking through a straw. Normally, discomfort should subside within three days to two weeks. If you experience prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
Whether you're a tooth extraction pro or a newbie, following your dentist's advice diligently before and after the procedure is crucial for a successful and uncomplicated recovery. Tooth extraction opens the door to something better, contributing to a healthy and confident smile.
