Tooth extraction is a common procedure in dentistry which is done when a tooth is badly decayed or injured in order to prevent infection and pain.
Tooth extractions are performed by dentists at Dr. Suryanarayanan Dental Clinic, to treat problems like infections, trauma, and eliminating overcrowding of teeth for orthodontic treatment preparation.
Tooth extraction can be scary for most patients but dentists take it as a last resort to treat and prevent dental problems. This guide about tooth extraction intends to eliminate any apprehensions a patient might have about tooth extraction
When is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Severe Decay
If a tooth has decayed to the extent that filling or a crown will not work to restore it, extraction may be required.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When the wisdom teeth are not aligned properly and are unable to come out in the right position, they may result in pain or swelling, or may even cause damage to the teeth around them.
You can also read : Impacted Wisdom Tooth Symptoms and Treatment
Gum Disease
Advanced gum disease may lead to loss of bone and therefore the looseness of teeth may be an indicator of extraction.
Dental Trauma
Blunt injury to the mouth may result in injury or loss of teeth.
Orthodontic Treatment
Sometimes pulling out of the teeth is required for the orthodontic purpose like space making for the installation of braces.
Procedure of Tooth Extraction
- The dentist will examine your teeth, take a medical history, and explain in detail the process involved in tooth removal.
- You will be anesthetized either by local anesthesia, where only the area will be numbed with general anesthesia, where you will be put to sleep during the session.
- The tooth removal procedure will be performed by a dentist; they will take an appropriate instrument and wiggle the tooth which needs to be extracted and remove it from the socket. If the tooth that needs to be extracted is an impacted tooth, then an incision might be made into the gums to reach them.
- After removal, the dentist may apply stitches in the region of the extracted tooth.
Recovery from Tooth Extraction
- The area of the extraction may be painful and swollen. Over- the-counter painkillers and cold compresses can help relieve these symptoms.
- Expect that there will be some bleeding within the first 24 hours. It can be controlled by placing a folded gauze pad over the area, then biting down on it.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy food for several days. Instead, eat soft, bland food like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes.
- Gently brush and floss around the extraction, taking care not to brush forward.
- Schedule a follow-up visit with your dentist to check the healing process and have stitches removed, if requested.
Conclusion
Sometimes, tooth extraction can be an inevitable process but it is safe and painless to go through. At Dr. Suryanarayanan Dental Clinic, being a conservative dental practice, we consider tooth-extraction the final step after we have exhausted all the options available, to treat a dental problem. We strive to make the extraction of teeth a safe and comfortable experience for our patients.
