Tooth extraction as the name implies, is simply the removal of the tooth from its socket in the bone. Usually in dentistry, broken or damaged tooth are fixed with dental filling, crown or other treatment. But in some cases, if the damages on the tooth are too large that the damaged tooth cannot be saved, tooth extraction will be required. The tooth extraction procedure is more likely to go quickly, it can last for about an hour or more. As a patient your cooperation really matters. Things like moaning, flinching and squirming during the procedure can make everything to be more difficult and drawn out.(1)
So, in this article I will give you an outline of the dental extraction process, you will learn some of the steps that a dentist at a dental office takes in order to perform dental extractions for patients. This article will help you to know what to expect before you visit your dentist for dental extractions, including surgical extractions such as wisdom teeth removal. I will also give you some few tips to help minimize your discomfort and speed recovery after the dental extraction surgery.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
In preparation for wisdom teeth extractions, it is important to provide your dentist with your complete medical and dental history, along with a list of all medications you are currently taking. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and any medications you may be allergic to. The dentist will evaluate your affected tooth to determine the best method for its surgical removal. An x-ray will typically be taken to obtain a clearer view of the tooth that needs to be extracted. In certain cases, patients with specific medical conditions may be advised to take antibiotics before or after the surgery. Once all necessary preparations have been made for the tooth extraction surgery, here is what you can expect on the day of the procedure.
1. Numbing your tooth
During the dental extractions, the dentist or dental surgeon will numb your tooth, surrounding bone, and gum tissue with a local anesthetic. Throughout the process, you may feel pressure but not pain. The dentist may use their fingers to loosen your wisdom teeth for removal. It’s important to communicate any pain to the dental assistant immediately. They can provide more numbing agent or administer anti-anxiety medication or intravenous sedatives if needed.
2. Tooth removal
This stage, called dental extractions, involves the removal of the tooth by pulling. At this point, it’s believed that the affected tooth has been loosened up enough that it’s free to come out. Dentists, along with the assistance of a dental assistant, have a variety of tools that they use for oral surgery to grasp and apply pressure to teeth, some of these tools include extraction forceps and elevators. The tooth removal process is divided into two basic categories: simple and surgical extraction. During this process, the dentist may also need to remove a portion of the alveolar bone.
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Simple extraction: a simple extraction is very common in dentistry, the dentist loosens and pull the tooth out with specialized levers known as elevators and forceps.
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Surgical extraction: a surgical extraction procedure involves so many complex processes. It’s usually recommended if the tooth has not yet broken through the gum line, or has not yet fully grown into the mouth. If there is need for surgical extraction, your dentist can perform the surgery or he can refer you to a surgeon. During the surgery, your oral surgeon will make a small incision into your gum and the bones supporting the tooth in order to have proper access to the affected tooth. Sometimes, it will be necessary to cut the affected tooth into smaller pieces for easy removal.
3. After extraction surgery
After the extraction must have been completed, you will be asked to bite down on a piece of gauze for 20-30 minutes. The pressure generated from the bite will help to form a blood clot in the extraction site. The formation of blood clot over the wound is a crucial part of the healing process, be careful not to dislodge the clot. (2) A painful case of “Dry socket” can occur if blood clot fails to form over the extraction site. Dry socket may also occur if the blood clot breaks off too soon leaving the underlying hole and bone exposed. A medicated bandage can be used to promote the healing in the absence of blood clot.
Normally, after a tooth extraction procedure, the surgeon will provide detailed instructions on what to expect and do after the surgery. It is common to experience some bleeding for a few hours post-surgery. Make sure to ask the staff dentist for any concerns or questions before leaving the office.
Pain management
After the extraction surgery, it is common to experience pain and discomfort in your teeth. The level of pain and discomfort depends on the complexity and duration of the procedure. Patients have reported that surgical extractions tend to cause more pain than simple extractions. It is important not to disturb or dislodge the blood clot that forms over the extraction site, as this can lead to complications such as bone fragments.
It’s advisable that you should take only the recommended pain reliever that was prescribed by your oral surgeon. Certain anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Advil and Motrin (NSAIDs) have been proved to be very effective in decreasing pain after an extraction. Alternatively, you can reduce the swelling and pain by putting some ice packs on your face directly above the site for about 20 minutes. You can even try a warm press If your jaw is sore and stiff, after the swelling must have gone away.
Do’s and Don’ts
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Take only the recommended medication.
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After your tooth extraction procedure, it is important to follow the advice of your staff dentist. Eat only soft and cool foods for the first few days after the dental extraction. It is also recommended to avoid alcoholic or acidic drinks for the first 24 hours to promote healing.
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After a broken tooth extraction, it is important to avoid using a straw or spitting to prevent dislodging the blood clot during the tooth extraction procedure.
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Chew food on the other side of the tooth, away from the extraction site, for the first few days after visiting the dentist. This will help protect the bone and promote healing.
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Don’t brush your teeth, especially around the extraction site for the first 24 hours after visiting the dentist.
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Make a solution with warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to rinse your mouth after each meal and before bedtime. This procedure is important for maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding irritation at the extraction site. It is recommended to avoid using antiseptic and commercial mouth rinses for this purpose.
Finally, you should go back and see your surgeon if the swelling and pain gets worse instead of better. Also if there is uncontrolled bleeding in the area after the first 24 hours, you should see your surgeon. However, complete healing after the surgery may take up to three months or more. The extraction site will heal completely and close up after about 2 weeks. The underlying bone and soft tissue may take longer than three months to regrow completely.
Richard Smith is a Registered Nutritionist and also a Health Speaker. Richard Smith graduated from The City University of New York. You can learn more about him by Visiting His LinkedIn Page or Follow him on Twitter.
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