Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction

When a dentist removes a tooth from the socket in the jaw, it is called extraction. The dentist suggests removing a tooth if it is severely damaged, decayed, infected or if it is causing crowding and cannot be corrected with restorative treatment. While preservation of natural teeth is always the preferred choice, immediate extraction could be the most appropriate treatment in order to maintain optimum overall oral health.

Local anaesthetic is used for modern tooth extraction and allows the patient to be very comfortable and feel little or no pain.

When Will Tooth Extraction Be Necessary?

The dentist may recommend having the tooth pulled out in the following cases:

• The tooth decay is so bad that it can't be fixed.
• Severe gum disease that leads to loose teeth
• Dentitions with broken or fractured teeth that is not restorable.
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Tooth crowding prior to orthodontics
• Severe infection or dental abscess.
• Trauma/injury to the tooth
• Premature tooth loss of baby teeth.

Types of Tooth Extraction

Simple Tooth Extraction

• A simple extraction is done on a tooth that is visible above the gum line. Using special instruments the dentist loosens the tooth and carefully takes it out with forceps.

Ideal for:

• Loose teeth
• Decayed teeth
• Baby teeth
• Teeth that have been broken above the gum line.

Surgical Tooth Extraction

• Extraction by surgery is necessary if the tooth is impacted, fractured under the gum line and/or not easy to reach. The dentist or oral surgeon makes a small cut in the gum, and may cut away some bone to be able to remove the tooth safely.

Ideal for:

• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Broken teeth
• Teeth whose roots curve around.
• The portion of the tooth below the gum line.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

The steps in the procedure typically are as follows:

• Dental examination and X-rays to determine the condition of the tooth and bone.
• A local anaesthetic to numb the area.
• Using a dental instrument to loosen a tooth.
• Simple extraction (using tooth forceps) or surgical extraction (using surgical instruments).
• Site clean-up.
• Sew in stitches, if required.
• A piece of gauze is put on top of the socket to keep the bleeding under control.
• The entire procedure usually takes 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity.

Wisdom tooth extraction

Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical dental procedure that is performed to remove a single or multiple third molars or wisdom tooth. They are the "final 4" permanent teeth which typically emerge in the age range of 17 to 25. Unfortunately there is often not enough room in the jaw and wisdom teeth can grow in sideways at an angle or only partially emerge causing pain, infection and damage to adjacent teeth.

There may be future oral health issues that can be avoided if the wisdom teeth are removed before they cause issues and they can eliminate damage to healthy teeth and gums.

When Wisdom Tooth Extraction is Necessary?

If you have any of the following conditions, you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed by a dentist or oral surgeon:

• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Chronic pain or swelling
• Wisdom tooth inflammatory gum infection.
• If the dental disease is too advanced, the tooth may not be able to be saved.
• If there is gum disease around the wisdom tooth, you may have to have it removed.
• Damage to the adjacent teeth.
• Pain in or stiffness of the jaw.
• Cysts or tumors connected with the wisdom tooth.
• Overcrowding issues and orthodontic problems.

Types of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Simple Wisdom Tooth Extraction

• A simple extraction is made when the wisdom tooth is fully grown and can be easily reached. The dentist taps the tooth and pulls it out with special instruments.

Suitable for:

• The wisdom teeth are completely developed.
• Teeth with straight roots
• Teeth that is accessible.

Surgical Wisdom Tooth Extraction

• If the wisdom tooth is impacted (lodged), partially erupted or surrounded by the gum or bone, surgery may be necessary. The oral surgeon will make a small cut into the gum, and may need to cut the tooth into smaller parts or remove some bone before extracting it.

Suitable for:

• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Horizontally positioned teeth
• Partially erupted teeth
• The teeth with a complicated root structure.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure

Typically the process includes the following steps:

• The routine clinical exam and a dental X-ray or panoramic exam.
• Depending on complexity, local anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia administration.
• If the tooth is impacted, a small cut (incision) is made.
• If needed, the bone that covers the tooth can be shaved off.
• The tooth can sometimes be broken into smaller sections so that it's easier to remove.
• Carefully removing the tooth.
• The socket is cleaned to get rid of debris.
• Stitches can be sewn in to help heal the cut.
• To stop the bleeding, gauze is applied.
• The process typically takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the number of teeth being extracted and how difficult the extraction is.

Things to avoid after tooth extraction

Aftercare after tooth extraction is crucial for promoting healing, alleviating pain and preventing complications like dry socket or infection. Understanding the things to be avoided during the recovery phase can help you have a smooth and successful healing process.

• Don't use tobacco or smoke
• Do Not Use a Straw
• Avoid Spitting Forcefully
• Don't do "vigorous rinsing" of your mouth.
• Stay away from hard, crunchy or sticky foods
• Do not eat, drink or talk with Hot Foods and Drinks.
• Avoid Alcohol
• Avoid Strenuous Physical Activity
• Avoid Touching the Extraction Site
• Avoid Brushing Directly Over the Extraction Site
• Avoid Sleeping Flat
• Do not forget to take your medicines (pills or inhalers).
• Avoid Eating Until the Anaesthesia Wears Off
• Steer clear of carbonated soft drinks.
• Do not suffer from poor oral hygiene.

What to eat after extracting tooth?

Proper post-tooth removal diet is essential to ensure a proper blood clot formation, less pain and speed healing. In the first few days, select soft and nutritious foods that do not need a lot of chewing and steer clear of foods that may irritate the extraction site.

Eating foods during the first 24 hours

Eat soft foods like:

• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Smooth soups (not hot)
• Pudding
• Ice cream (as per moderation guidelines)
• Cottage cheese
• Mashed bananas
• Avocado
• Protein shakes or smoothies (without using a straw)
• You should drink lots of water, but not use a straw.

Foods to Eat After 2–3 Days

As the discomfort eases you can begin to add some firmer foods:

• Scrambled eggs
• Oatmeal
• Soft pasta
• Well-cooked rice
• Macaroni and cheese
• Soft fish
• Tofu
• Soft cooked vegetables
• Pancakes
• Bread that is soft and has no crusts.
• When possible, chew on the side of the mouth that is opposite from the extraction site.

How much is a tooth extraction?

The prices for tooth extraction depend on the type of extraction, complexity of the case, location of the dental clinic, and if other methods are necessary for the extraction, like sedatives or X-rays.

Some of the factors that can influence the cost of tooth extraction are the following:

• The type of extraction: Surgical extractions will be more expensive than simple extractions.
• The cost of tooth removal depends on the tooth location: The more expensive teeth to remove are usually molars and wisdom teeth.
• Complexity: Teeth with multiple problems or that are impacted, broken or curved will take longer and more expertise to fix.
• Diagnostic imaging: Dental X-rays or 3D CBCT imaging might be included in the cost.
• Anaesthesia/sedation: IV sedation or general anaesthesia will add to the cost but may or may not be included with the local anaesthesia.
• Complex procedures may cost more from dentist's expertise: Oral surgeons may charge more than other dentists for complex procedures.
• Geographic Location: The costs vary according to the geographic location and the cost of living.
• Follow-up care: Surgery bills may include prescription medicines and follow-up visits.

Conclusion

Dental extraction is a safe and effective dental treatment that involves the removal of teeth that are severely damaged, infected, impacted or causing overcrowding but cannot be treated. The treatment is usually well-tolerated and recovery is simple if proper post-dental care is provided and there are modern dental techniques and anaesthesia to minimize discomfort. The care of your mouth, eating soft foods and avoiding activities that could interfere with healing can help keep dry sockets and infection at bay after your dentist's instructions. If you still have pain, heavy bleeding or symptoms of infection after the procedure, seek immediate dental care. If conducted for proper reasons, the extraction of teeth can bring relief from pain, maintain oral health and pave the way for other restorative procedures like dental implants, dental bridges, or dentures as necessary.

Tooth extraction in India GetWellGo

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FAQs

Is tooth extraction painful?

• No, because the extraction of a tooth is done under local anaesthesia and it will not cause pain during the procedure. Although the anaesthesia will wear off, it is normal to experience some pain or discomfort which can be controlled with prescription or non-prescription pain medication.

How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?

• People usually recover within 7 - 14 days. Initial healing takes place in the first week then the bone under the gum is completely healed in several months.

What is a dry socket?

• A dry socket is caused by the blood clot that protects the area where the tooth has been pulled becoming dislodged or dissolves prematurely leaving the underlying bone and nerves exposed. It can be very painful and needs to be treated right away by a dentist.

After how many hours can I brush my teeth after tooth extraction?

• The other teeth can be brushed the same day, but not directly over the site of extraction for the first few days. Gently rinse with warm salt water (as suggested by your dentist) after 24 hours.

Can I have a tooth replaced?

Yes. Depending on oral health, finances and the recommendation of your dentist, missing teeth can be replaced by dental implants, dental bridges or removable dentures.