If you are scheduled for a tooth extraction and you are feeling scared don’t be. Although it may sound scary and painful, understanding how the procedure will go will make the process so much easier.
In this blog post we will help you prepare for the tooth extraction procedure and what you can expect after. Our dental professionals here at Implantus Clinic by Dr. Roland Zhuka will be your trusted companions throughout this whole procedure.
What Is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction which means removing the tooth is a common dental procedure performed by surgeons to remove damaged or severely decayed teeth. This procedure will be necessary for different reasons such as:
- Dental trauma.
- Infection.
- Overcrowding.
- Preparation before the orthodontic treatment.
The procedure will be performed under the effect of local anesthesia so you wont feel any discomfort and pain. For more complex procedures or if more than one tooth needs to be removed, the dentist might also recommend general anaesthesia.
Although it may sound like an easy procedure, it is important to choose a specialized dentist. After you are completely numb, they will use their special tools to remove the tooth from its place. If necessary they might have to use stitches to close the gums so it won’t be an open wound.
When you think of this treatment you may fear that it will cause some pain, but this is not true. You will only feel a small pressure. The after care is just as important. Your dentist will provide the essential advice regarding how to take care of the mouth after the teeth is removed.
Sometimes this will include taking pain medications, using ice packs to reduce the swelling and even avoiding certain activities that can cause issues with the blood circulation. Also you will need to avoid hard foods and stick to a soft food diet.
Why Might You Need Tooth Extraction?
As we mentioned before, tooth extraction procedure will be necessary on several occasions that we will explain in detail further:
Severe tooth decay
One of the most common reasons why tooth extraction will be recommended by dentists is due to severe tooth decay, which is very common. Sometimes if we neglect our tooth health and decay reaches the inner layer of the tooth called the pulp, the tooth will no longer be functional and it will cause pain. This cannot be repaired with either a filling or a crown. In these cases, extraction will be the only way.
Overcrowding
Another reason why tooth extraction is recommended will be due to tooth overcrowding. Many patients might not have enough space in their mouth to adapt all their teeth properly.
Not only will this make teeth look misaligned but it will also cause functional issues such as bitting problems. Additionally you will be at a higher risk of developing gum disease and cavities which lead to more serious issues in the future. The best way to avoid these dental problems will be tooth extraction as it will also offer many benefits regarding oral health.
Impacted wisdom teeth
Another common reason why dentists suggest teeth extractions is impacted wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are the thor molars that may erupt during the late or early twenties.
These teeth need their space in the mouth and when this is not possible they can become impacted and need to be removed. This is very important since impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, form cysts, damage nearby teeth and even lead to infections.
Before orthodontic treatment
There are many cases that require the extraction of one or more teeth so that the orthodontic treatment is successful. The main purpose of this is to create enough space so that the teeth may align perfectly in the mouth.
Types of Tooth Extractions: Simple vs. Surgical Extraction
The procedure of tooth extraction comes in two types depending on the method used: simple and surgical extraction. As the name states, simple extractions means that the tooth that needs to be removed is visible and accessible. Surgical extraction on the other hand calls the need for incisions so that the surgeon will have access to the tooth that needs to be removed.
Here are both procedures explained in more detail:
Simple Dental Extraction
Simple dental extraction will be necessary in cases when the teeth that need to be extracted are visible and the dentist will have direct access. This procedure will be performed under the effect of anesthesia so the patient won’t feel any pain or discomfort.
During this procedure the dentist will use specialized instruments to lift the damaged tooth and pull it out. This will require some action such as moving the teeth back and forth until the periodontal ligament breaks from the alveolar bone so it can be easily extracted.
Surgical Dental Extraction
On the other hand we have surgical dental extraction which will be recommended in cases when the patient needs to remove teeth that are not easily reachable inside the mouth, they may have not erupted properly or have been fractured under the gums.
For easy access to the tooth for extraction in this situation, an incision must be made into the connective tissue around it. As an example, during the extraction process, the soft tissues covering the tooth could be raised, or part of the surrounding jawbone would need to be removed with an osteotome or drill.
In some other cases, the dentist will need to break down the tooth into many pieces to extract it since it won’t be possible to remove it whole at the same time. This way the dentist will avoid damage to the soft tissues and to the adjacent teeth.
Since this extraction method is more complex and invasive it may be performed under the effect of general anesthesia. This way they make sure that the patient won’t feel any pain or discomfort throughout the process.
Surgical dental extraction is known for removal of wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth and when they don’t erupt properly they can cause pain and discomfort. In these cases they need to be surgically removed by the surgeon.
Comparing Simple and Surgical Extraction
When it comes to comparing both procedures, they offer a lot of benefits for your oral and overall health. They will also help recuse complications in the future such as pain, inflammation and infection.
Some other risks related to tooth extraction procedures include:
- Sometimes there is a risk of osteitis which is inflammation of the jawbone or a dry socket that can be caused by premature loss of the blood clot that can happen after the dentist extracts the tooth.
- Movement of the remaining teeth can cause bite changes and tooth misalignment, which can harm other healthy teeth.
- Sometimes the gums can take time to heal especially if you take medications such as those used to strengthen the bones or immunosuppressive medications. They should be stopped before the extraction procedure in order to reduce the risk of complications.
- Collapse of the bite, or loss of vertical dimension of occlusion, which can alter the muscular contractions required for chewing and cause side effects including dry lips.
- Secondary bone death or osteoradionecrosis in people with a history of radiation therapy to the head and neck is another possible risk.
Most tooth extractions are simple procedures with minimal risk. They are easier to perform, and the recovery time is usually short. However, surgical dental extractions may be necessary in certain cases, such as the removal of wisdom teeth. These extractions should be performed by professional dental surgeons, like those at Dr Roland Zhuka’s dental clinic in Albania.
How To Prepare For Tooth Extraction?
One important step before you undergo a tooth extraction will be the preparation process. This way you make sure that the rest of the procedure and the recovery goes smoothly. Here is what will help you prepare:
- Before any dental procedure it is a good idea to discuss with your dentist regarding your concerns. Our professional staff at Dr. Roland Zhuka’s dental clinic will be ready to answer all of your questions and provide specific instructions that you should follow.
- If your renists recommend surgical dental extraction thay will advise you to not eat anything before the procedure. This is because food can interact with general anaesthesia. If this is the case, follow the dentist’s advice carefully.
- We advise our patients to come to the clinic with a loved one, depending on the type of sedation used. If general anaesthesia is administered for wisdom tooth removal, the patient will not be able to drive home on their own.
- In some cases the dentist may prescribe medications that you should take beforehand. Most likely they will be pain relievers or antibiotics to prevent any issues during the recovery.
- After tooth extraction you will only be able to consume soft foods, so it will be a good idea to prepare them before. Also keep cold packs ready to reduce swelling.
What to Expect After Tooth Extraction?
Knowing what to expect after the tooth extraction procedure will make the whole process much easier for you. Even though the treatment will be different for everyone, the recovery steps will be pretty much the same. Here are what to expect after the tooth extraction procedure:
Bleeding is a normal and common side effect of tooth extraction so you don’t need to worry. Your dentist will advise you to bite down a clean gauze for about 30 minutes to manage the bleeding. If you want to avoid issues, don’t spit or rinse the mouth as this will lead to blood clots in the empty socket.
In cases when the bleeding gets worse or it doesn’t stop, contact Dr. Roland Zhuka’s dental clinic. We will be at your service at any time.
Pain and discomfort are other common side effects to expect after tooth extractions. Most patients will notice swelling around the treated area which is quite normal.
If discomfort persists your dentist might recommend over the counter medications to get you through the day. Also applying cold packs will reduce the swelling and provide relief. Keep them on for 10 minutes and remove it. Repeat this several times during the day.
Good oral hygiene is also very important during the recovery period after a tooth extraction. In order to keep the mouth clean use a saltwater rinse several times a day. This will help remove bacteria and keep the mouth healthy. Avoid using the brush near the extraction site as it might damage it especially if you have had a surgical dental extraction.
Maintaining a soft food diet is also crucial during this period. If you choose to consume foods that require chewing, avoid the treated site until it heals completely. Also we recommend our patients to avoid hot foods and beverages since they can interact with the blood flow and slow down the healing process.
In most cases, the recovery after the tooth extraction whether the procedure requires incisions will pass shortly. However if you experience severe pain and discomfort contact Dr. Roland Zhuka’s dental clinic. Our dental professionals will help reduce these symptoms and ensure a smooth recovery.
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