Tooth extraction is one of the most frequently carried out procedures at the dental operatories or clinics. It refers to the removal of a tooth from its socket (called as alveolar bone) permanently using dental forceps after being anesthetized. Extraction is indicated mostly when a tooth can no longer be restored by other treatment options for example filling, root canal, crowning etc. Sometimes, orthodontic treatment needs an extraction of a sound, healthy tooth to create space for movement of other teeth.
Patients are given local anesthesia at or near the site of extraction. It is just the pressure that you feel when the tooth is being pulled out of the socket forcefully, otherwise, the process should be painless. Healing of the extraction site usually takes 7 to 10 days. It is very important to carefully listen to the post operative instructions given by your dentist. Some dentists also recommends to watch patient education videos so that the patients can understand better.
Why do you need extraction?
Extraction is performed for many reasons. They are:
- Very deep tooth decay (cavities) or infection
- A tooth that is fractured due to trauma
- A loose tooth (called as mobile tooth)
- A tooth that is impacted in the bone
- In cases of crowding
- In cases of extra teeth present
- A wisdom tooth causing problems
- When gum disease is severe
What are the types of extraction?
There are two types of extraction. Both of which can be performed by a general dentist or an oral surgeon. Mostly, anesthesia is administered locally at or around the extraction site so as to numb the area, keeping the procedure painless. Sometimes, general anesthesia is given in more complicated surgical extractions.
- SIMPLE EXTRACTION:
It refers to the removal of a tooth that is visible in the oral cavity using dental elevators and forceps. Local anesthesia , alone, is sufficient for performing simple extractions.
- SURGICAL EXTRACTION:
It refers to the removal of a tooth that is not visible in the oral cavity. It might be impacted (stucked deep in the bone) or broken down into pieces. In such extractions, you are most likely to receive local anesthesia but in more complicated cases , general anesthesia is administered. The procedure involves giving an incision on the gum, removing the bone covering the tooth and then taking the tooth out by either cutting it into pieces or as a single unit.
How long does the pain last after tooth extraction?
Pain and discomfort at the extraction site decreases as your socket heals. It usually takes 10- 14 days to feel completely normal. Your dentist will recommend an over the counter(OTC) painkiller in order to counteract any post operative soreness.
You should keep in mind that the tenderness should gradually reduce and start to get better after around day 3-4. If the pain increases or persists, this may be a sign of a dry socket.
What is a Dry socket?
It is a painful condition in which the blood clot fails to form in the socket or it dissolves before the socket heals completely.
At this point, you should see your dentist. He will rinse the socket and place a medicated gel inside that soothes and helps healing.
Self care recommendations by the dentist?
- Warm saltwater rinses after extraction for good 7-10 days
- Use of ice packs
- Taking soft diet
- Include cold food stuff and drinks
- Put your head up while lying down
How to stop bleeding after tooth extraction?
Your dentist would place a gauze over your socket right after extraction so as to stop bleeding. This encourages a blood clot to form.
You ll be advised to bite on this gauze for almost half to one hour following extraction. You can change the gauze pad yourself for first 1 to 2 hours.
What to eat after extraction?
- For day 1-2, take only cold liquids and food stuffs. Icecreams helps a lot to reduce the discomfort but don’t choose those with crunch or cones.
- Take soft foods (mashed form or purees). You can add egg, yougurt , cakes etc as soon as you start feeling better.
DONTS after tooth extraction:
- Don’t rinse
- Don’t spit
- And don’t use a straw for at least 24 hours. This is to avoid dislodgement of the blood clot.
- Avoid smoking
- Don’t lie in a flat position as this interferes with healing.
- Don’t brush at the extraction site.
- Try not to bite from the extracted side for 2-3 days
- Any food that you are taking during this time shouldn’t be hot.
Brushing after tooth extraction:
You can brush and floss regularly after extraction. Just make sure that your brush doesn’t touch the extraction site.