Dental Extraction | A Comprehensive Guide to Procedure, Reasons, and Aftercare
An extraction is a dental procedure in which the tooth is completely removed from its socket. Tooth extraction is the last option that may be considered as a dental solution.
What Are the Reasons for Tooth Extraction?
- Severe tooth decay
- Fractured tooth
- Impacted tooth
- Wisdom tooth
- Crowded tooth for orthodontic treatment
- Severe gum diseases with mobility
- Trauma or dental injuries
- Retained root stumps
- Supernumerary tooth
- Tooth in the fracture line
- Extremely loose teeth
- Milk teeth not falling out in time
What Are the Specific Contraindications for Dental Extraction?
- Uncontrolled medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension
- Cardiac patients who are under blood thinners
- Liver diseases
- First and third trimester of pregnancy
What Are the Complications of Extraction?
- Pain
- Prolonged bleeding
- Post-extraction infections
- Dry socket
- Nerve injury
- Perforation of maxillary sinus
- Stiffness or soreness of the jaw due to the injections
- Nerve damage causes numbness temporarily or permanently
- Damage to the adjacent tooth, dental crowns, or fillings
- Trismus
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Extraction?
- Bleeding
- Swelling and redness at the extracted site
- Discomfort
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
Types of Tooth Extractions
Simple Extractions
They are usually performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth. It is usually done under local anesthesia.
Surgical Extraction
They are performed when the tooth is impacted inside the bone. This is usually done under local or general anesthesia.
Requirements for Dental Extraction
- Local anesthesia
- Extraction forceps
- Elevators
- Surgical handpiece and burs
- Scalpel and blade
What To Do Immediately After Tooth Extraction?
After the removal of the tooth, the dentist will ask you to bite a roll of gauze. You should bite it firmly for 5 to 10 minutes. Hemostasis should be checked before the patient leaves the dental chair. This pressure should be placed for a minimum of five minutes, and hemostasis should be checked before the patient can leave the chair. If the bleeding does not stop, the suture has to be placed.
Instructions Should Follow After Tooth Extraction
- Avoid hot and spicy foods. Eat soft foods.
- Apply ice pack towards the cheek side of the extracted site.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Don’t spit or rinse for 24 hours after extraction.
- Brush and floss like normal, but avoid the extraction site.
- Don’t use a straw for 24 hours.
- Avoid chewing on the extracted site side.
- Avoid touching the extracted site with your finger or your tongue.
- Take painkillers as prescribed by the dentist.
- Avoid any strenuous physical activity for 2 days.
- If stitches are placed, go to the dentist for their removal after 1 week.
