Very often, tooth extraction is colloquially called "pulling out" it. This procedure should always be performed by a dentist or dental surgeon. Although the development of modern dentistry has made it possible to save more and more diseased teeth, there are still many indications for extraction.
The entire process leading to tooth extraction begins with identifying the indications for its removal. A panoramic X-ray or x-ray of the diseased tooth will be necessary. The procedure itself is performed under appropriate local anesthesia, which guarantees the patient comfort and no pain. Tooth extraction consists of several consecutive stages:
- rupture of the circular ligament surrounding the tooth;
- tooth dislocation – in this case, the dentist, by performing appropriate extraction movements, breaks the periodontal fibers and separates the tooth from the bone;
- removing the tooth from the socket;
- cleaning of the socket;
- dressing the wound after an extracted tooth – most often with a gauze pad, in some cases it is advisable to apply stitches.
A well-cared for extraction wound should initially heal within about 7 days. It is very important that the clot that appears in the place of the extracted tooth stays there as long as possible until it falls out on its own. The question of how long pain may last after tooth extraction depends on the rate of tissue regeneration. Additionally, it influences which tooth was removed.
Indications for tooth extraction
The development of dental specializations has made it possible to save many teeth from extraction. However, there are still situations in which a tooth should be removed. This is always decided by the dentist. Indications for extraction include diseases of the hard tissues of teeth and irreversible pulp inflammation. Extraction may also be necessary in the case of periodontal disease (loss of bone support of the tooth). Orthodontic treatment constitutes a separate group of indications, in which the extraction is decided by the orthodontist.
Dental surgery also comes to our aid in the case of impacted teeth, i.e. those that have not fully erupted above the gum surface or remain partially embedded in the bone. This applies primarily to the so-called eights. Their extraction is recommended, and the procedure itself is slightly different from the one described above (including preliminary incision of the gum and separation of the tooth from the surrounding tissues).
Recommendations after tooth extraction
Appropriate treatment after tooth extraction is highly recommended, because this is the only way to return to natural functioning and not expose yourself to any damage or pain. Eating after tooth extraction is possible only when the patient regains full sensation (after about 2 hours). As we know, after the above procedure, there may be temporary numbness (due to the anesthesia used). It's worth being a patient and not getting carried away by emotions. Symptoms of anesthesia should disappear about an hour after the procedure.
If you are wondering what is allowed after tooth extraction, it is worth consuming a small number of drinks. However, you must remember to exercise due care and attention so as not to cause the drink to spill out while swallowing. It all has to do with the anesthesia administered.
There is probably no need to mention how important proper oral hygiene is after the procedure. You should not rinse your mouth until the end of the day of the procedure. However, in the following days, you should focus on gently brushing your teeth after extraction (avoiding the area where the extracted tooth was). Healing after tooth extraction will be accelerated if patients avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption for 7 days after the procedure and limit physical activity.
Tooth extraction – what about pain and possible complications?
Many patients, of course, wonder tooth extraction hurts? The answer is simple - it's certainly not a very comfortable experience, but that's why anesthesia was invented. During the procedure, you may only experience an unpleasant feeling of stretching. Everyone should be able to handle it without any problems.
More importantly, in some cases pain may occur after tooth extraction. Fortunately, it is not too intense and can be alleviated with painkillers (it is worth asking your dentist about this). The pain should subside within a maximum of 3 days after the procedure. It is worth mentioning possible complications after tooth extraction, including:
- nerve damage
- pain in adjacent teeth after extraction,
- dry socket,
- purulent inflammation of the socket.
Sometimes there is also severe bleeding after tooth extraction. It is worth emphasizing that true professionals will cope with every possible complication and will not expose the patient to any unpleasantness. Sometimes there is no other option, and the tooth must be extracted in order to take care of your own oral cavity.