Tooth Extraction – What To Do Before And After
Tooth extraction is a surgical procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the bone. Tooth extraction is typically done by a dentist or oral surgeon and can be performed for a variety of reasons such as:
- Severe tooth decay
- A cracked or broken tooth that can’t be repaired
- An infected tooth that can’t be treated with antibiotics
- Orthodontic treatment that requires more space in the mouth
- An impacted tooth that is not able to erupt properly.
There are two types of tooth extraction: simple and surgical. The simple extraction is done when the tooth is visible above the gums. A surgical extraction is done when the tooth is not visible above the gums or is embedded in the jawbone. After the extraction, the dentist will advise the patient on how to take care of the extraction site and how to manage pain and discomfort. Depending on the case, the dentist may recommend a replacement option such as a bridge, implant, or dentures.
Why Should A Tooth Be Extracted?
There are several reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted:
Severe tooth decay: If a tooth is severely decayed and cannot be saved with a filling or a crown, it may need to be extracted.
Fractured or broken tooth: If a tooth is fractured or broken to the point that it cannot be repaired, it may need to be extracted.
Infection: If a tooth is infected and cannot be treated with antibiotics, it may need to be extracted.
Orthodontic treatment: Sometimes, in order to create more space in the mouth for orthodontic treatment, one or more teeth may need to be extracted.
Impacted tooth: An impacted tooth is a tooth that is unable to erupt properly through the gums. Impacted teeth may need to be extracted if they are causing pain or infection, or if they are blocking other teeth from coming in.
Crowding: If there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth, teeth may need to be extracted to create space for the others.
Gum disease: In the advanced stages of gum disease, the teeth may become loose and may need to be extracted.
Over retention: Sometimes, teeth that are no longer needed, such as baby teeth that haven’t been replaced by permanent teeth, may need to be extracted.
It’s important to note that the extraction will only be done after a thorough examination and discussion of the options available with the patient. And in some cases, the dentist may recommend alternative treatments such as a root canal or a filling before extraction.
How should I prepare before tooth extraction?
Before tooth extraction, it’s important to prepare by following these steps:
Schedule a consultation: Schedule a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon to discuss the procedure and any concerns you may have.
Inform your dentist of any medical conditions: let your dentist know if you have any medical conditions, such as diabetes or a bleeding disorder, that may affect the extraction.
Inform your dentist of any medications you are taking: let your dentist know about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, as some of them may interact with the anesthesia or affect the healing process.
Arrange for transportation: If you will be receiving sedation, arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Follow pre-operative instructions: Follow any pre-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon, such as eating or drinking restrictions before the procedure.
Have a plan for after the procedure: Make sure you have everything you need at home for your recovery, such as pain medication, ice packs, and soft foods.
Discuss replacement options: Before the extraction, it’s a good idea to discuss with your dentist the replacement options available, such as implants, bridges, or dentures.
By preparing properly before tooth extraction, you can help ensure a smooth and successful procedure and recovery.
How To Extract An Infected Tooth?
To extract an infected tooth, a dentist or oral surgeon will typically follow these steps:
Anesthesia: The area around the infected tooth will be numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure.
Loosening the tooth: The dentist will use specialized tools to loosen the infected tooth from its socket in the bone.
Extracting the tooth: Once the tooth is loose, the dentist will gently remove it from the socket.
Stitching and dressing: If the extraction was surgical, the dentist may need to close the socket with stitches and place a dressing over the area to promote healing.
Pain management: The dentist will provide instructions for managing pain and discomfort after the procedure, and may prescribe pain medication if necessary.
Follow-up: The dentist will schedule a follow-up visit to check on the healing progress and make sure the infection is under control.
It’s important to note that the dentist will discuss with you the options available before the extraction, and based on the severity of the infection, the case may require antibiotics and/or a root canal before extraction. The extraction of infected tooth is more complex than a non-infected one and may require more time to heal and greater care after the extraction.
What is alveolit and how is it treated?
After tooth extraction, it’s important to follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s instructions for proper care and healing. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Bite down gently on the gauze placed over the extraction site to stop any bleeding.
- Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Avoid smoking, drinking through straws, or spitting for the first 24 hours after the extraction. These actions can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
- Take any prescribed antibiotics or painkillers as directed.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for the first 24 hours. Stick to soft foods and liquids and gradually return to a normal diet as healing progresses.
- Keep your mouth clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of water) starting the day after surgery, avoid brushing or flossing the extraction site until healing is complete.
- Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as fever, severe pain, or redness and swelling at the extraction site.
- Follow up with your dentist or oral surgeon as directed to monitor your healing and address any issues that may arise.
It’s important to keep in mind that healing after tooth extraction can take some time, and you may experience some discomfort and swelling for several days afterward.