About Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction is supposedly one of the most traumatic procedures to visitors at a dental practice. Infact the term "pulling teeth" is often used to describe a difficult situation. Having a tooth pulled however is sometimes necessary to prevent more serious problems from developing. The procedure done by a regular dentist or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, requires removing a tooth from it's bone socket.

Significance

• Wisdom tooth extractions are the most common extractions dentists perform. A wisdom tooth is extracted because it may be growing in at an angle affecting the surrounding teeth. Dentists also extract broken teeth and teeth with significant amount of decay. Teeth can also be extracted to create room for other teeth (in the cases of people undergoing orthodontic work).

Types

• There two types of tooth extraction: simple extraction which involves extracting and easily seen tooth. This extraction can be performed using a local anesthetic, unlike a surgical extraction, that is an extraction performed on teeth that are not easily seen (below gumline). This kind of extraction is more complex and requires an oral surgeon. The surgical extraction requires the use of local anesthesia, conscious sedation or in some cases the patient may receive general anesthesia.

Effects

• Having your tooth extracted can generate alot of anxiety. Choose a dentist or practice that you feel comfortable with, no matter how routine the procedure is to the dentist, it is not routine to you. A simple extraction should not cause much discomfort post extraction, your dentist may recommend over the counter nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil or Motrin. In surgical extractions, discomfort may be more prolonged and your doctor may prescribe stronger pain pills.

Features

• The dentist will first inject a numbing agent into your gums, but before they do that, they will first apply a topical numbing agent to the injection site. The injection will numb your gums, the tooth to be extracted, your tongue and a portion of your jaw. The dentist then moves you tooth back and forth loosening the tooth. He will then rotate the tooth effectively widening the tooth socket. You will not feel anything since your pain receptors are numbed. The tooth (once loosened) is extracted and the hole is then covered with gauze. The gauze is held in place by your clamped mouth. The gauze assists in the formation of a clot to stop the bleeding.

Time Frame

• The actual tooth extraction procedure is over in a matter of minutes. By following the guidelines given to help you heal, you will recover without too much discomfort or complications. You may be advised among other things, to apply ice to reduce swelling, take pain relievers, not to use straws, not to smoke cigarettes and avoid certain types of foods.

Warning

• Be aware of the complications that might arise; throbbing at the extraction site 3 to 4 days after the procedure may indicate a dry socket. If you experience fever or chills with redness to the extraction site you may have an infection. These conditions need to be treated to improve. Other complications that may occur include damage caused to surrounding teeth by the extraction, an incomplete extraction (a portion of the tooth remains in the jaw), a fractured jaw, or a hole in the sinus. You will be advised on how to recognize these complications.

Prevention/Solution

• Keep your teeth healthy by regular brushing and eating healthy food. Get your teeth cleaned and visit your dentist regularly to avoid getting to the point where you may have to have teeth extracted.