A simple tooth extraction is one of the most frequently performed procedures in surgical dentistry. This is basically when the dentist removes a tooth that is still below the gumline and has a simple root structure that allows for an easy extraction. The need to extract a tooth may result from malocclusion, but much more often the cause is the poor condition of the tooth or periodontium, which is not suitable for treatment. Then, for safety reasons, the diseased tooth should be removed as soon as possible, even if it does not cause pain to the patient.
This procedure should be performed by a dentist or dental surgeon. The success of the extraction depends primarily on the knowledge, experience, and skills of the doctor. Incorrect tooth extraction may lead to complications like damage to soft tissues or the adjacent tooth, bone fracture, or even jaw dislocation. A well-performed extraction procedure, during which the periodontal tissues are not damaged, significantly facilitates subsequent prosthetic rehabilitation. Tools have been developed to make tooth extraction easier and less traumatic for the patient. They eliminate the risk of damage to the vestibular plate of the alveolar process, avoid the need to prepare a mucoperiosteal flap during the procedure, and contribute to less frequent post-operative pain.
Reasons for simple tooth extraction
The dentist usually decides about the need to extract a tooth after carefully assessing its condition. If the tooth is diseased and cannot be cured, it should be removed. However, it should be borne in mind that the extracted tooth should be replaced with an implant or a bridge (unless one of the wisdom teeth is removed). The absence of one tooth may cause the adjacent teeth to tilt, which may break or fall out over time.
One of the reasons for extraction may be advanced infection. When caries reaches the pulp, which has a strong blood supply and vascularization, it may become inflamed. The infection can also develop into an abscess or gangrene. If antibiotics do not work and root canal treatment is impossible or ineffective, the dentist may decide to remove the diseased tooth.
In some cases, healthy teeth must also be removed. The teeth may overlap and be too large, making orthodontic treatment of malocclusions impossible. Therefore, in order to install braces, even several teeth must be removed.
Periodontal disease may also be an indication for tooth extraction. As a result of infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth, it may become loose and loose. In some cases, the tooth falls out on its own without the doctor's intervention.
Tooth extraction procedure
Tooth extraction is a procedure performed under anesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the dentist tears off the circular ligament surrounding the tooth. Then, using forceps, he causes it to dislocate, which allows him to loosen it, separating the tooth from the jawbone. Appropriate movements have been assigned to each tooth, thanks to which the periodontal fibers break and the tooth separates from the bone. The final step is to firmly remove the tooth from its socket. It is very important to thoroughly clean the socket of tooth remnants and inflamed bone fragments (if any). Afterwards, the dentist inserts a dental tampon into the site of the procedure to stop the bleeding. The patient should bite it for 20 minutes. A clot forms in the place of the extracted tooth, which should not fall out if the patient follows the doctor's recommendations. After extraction, first of all, do not rinse your mouth shortly after the procedure or disturb the clot with your tongue. Teeth should be brushed gently in the area of the extracted tooth. It is recommended to cool the cheek, avoid hot food and temporarily stop smoking.