A dental extraction is a procedure that involves the removal of a tooth from the dental alveolus. This procedure can be performed for a variety of reasons. The most common is to remove a tooth that has become badly decayed. There are many different types of dental extractions. Here are some of the most common ones:
It is important to follow a few important steps after a dental extraction. First, you should avoid chewing gum and drinking through a straw, as these could disturb the healing tissue. You also should keep your mouth clean by rinsing it thoroughly with water. You can also try eating soft foods instead of hard ones. Additionally, you can take anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your dentist to ease the pain.
After the procedure, the dentist will place gauze over the site to prevent bleeding and promote clotting. This helps heal the tooth socket and reduce the risk of dry socket. Once the bleeding has stopped, the gauze will be removed. You should limit your activities for the next 24 hours to avoid any infection. You should also avoid spitting or forceful rinsing.
Once the anesthetic has taken effect, your dentist will use specialized dental instruments to remove the tooth. The dentist will often need to make an incision in the gums to access the tooth. If necessary, the dentist may also need to place a dental bone graft to prevent bone loss in the jaw. Stitches may also be placed to help the healing process.
In some cases, dental extraction can be quite simple. The doctor will use a forceps to loosen the tooth and remove it. A simple extraction is the most common type of extraction. Typically, you can expect to take one day off work, prescription pain medication, and the tooth to be extracted. The procedure will leave you with some scarring, but is well worth it in the long run.
After a dental extraction, your dentist may suggest a course of antibiotics to prevent infection. Patients are usually placed under general anesthesia or sedation and monitored closely for a period of time. Depending on the size of your dental issue, you may have to undergo multiple extractions. You should also avoid taking any medications that may delay healing.
In some cases, you may need to undergo a surgical extraction if your tooth is infected or broken. This method will involve cutting bone and gum tissue to expose the tooth and remove it. If your tooth is broken or in a very damaged position, the surgeon may need to cut it in half to extract it.
A tooth extraction is usually necessary if it is severely decayed, has a broken bone, is infected, or is no longer viable for other reasons. A tooth may also need to be removed if it has become loose or has shifted. Another reason for extraction is to prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment. If your teeth have become severely decayed, the damage to them may extend to the nerves and blood vessels in the jaw. When this happens, the infection can lead to a serious disease.
