Tooth Extraction and Removal

 

The process of removing a natural tooth which is badly decayed for damaged is known as tooth extraction. 

There are many reasons why a tooth may need to be removed. 

 

Reasons for Extraction and Removal

1. Severely decayed or infected teeth which cannot be saved by performing root canal treatment
2. When the teeth become loose (mobile) due to gum problems such as periodontitis or pyorrhea.
3. Badly positioned teeth
4. Sometimes during orthodontic/ braces treatment, a good tooth may need to extracted/ removed to make space for the teeth to be aligned.
5. Broken teeth which cannot be restored by filling or cap
6. Partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth. (FIG: 1) 

Why Tooth Extraction? Can I not save my teeth?

Natural teeth are ideal for biting, chewing and maintaining mouth and jawbone structure, which is why a dentist’s first priority is to help restore, save and repair your natural teeth. However, sometimes a tooth extraction is unavoidable.

At World Smiles dental center, we take every effort to preserve your natural teeth. But there are some instances when tooth extraction is the only option.

Especially when the tooth has decayed beyond repair or has fractured at a level where it is impossible to save.

The tooth could have been saved had you seen a dentist at an earlier stage or time. Once the teeth have reached its deathbed, it’s impossible to save and extraction is the only option left.

 

The process of decay of tooth progresses in the following way, 

from → Initial small black cavity → Large Deep Cavity approaching nerves. (At this stage the tooth can generally be saved by doing a Simple Filling) → Bacteria infecting nerves (At this stage it can be saved by performing Root canal Treatment) → Further destruction of the tooth and spread of infection ultimately results in extraction is the only option left. (FIG: 2)

The dentist at World Smiles Dental Center practice will make sure you’re comfortable before, during, and after your extraction procedure. This includes walking you through every step of the tooth removal. 

 

Types of Tooth Extraction

Simple Tooth Extraction:

Most teeth which are visible can be removed by simple extraction. In this procedure, the dentist numbs the area around the tooth with local anaesthesia, loosens the tooth and carefully removes it using special instruments. It usually takes a few minutes to complete the treatment. (FIG: 3)

Surgical Extraction:

In complex cases, Surgical extractions are done to remove the teeth that are not easily accessible. Such teeth that are difficult to remove must be taken out in pieces. At World Smiles dental center the surgical removal of teeth is done by our experienced Oral Surgeon – Dr Adil Gandeviwala. Usually, after surgical extraction, stitches are given to cover the area and to make it heal faster. They are removed after a weeks’ time.

A surgical extraction may be needed if:

1. Teeth that have not fully erupted or still under the gum line
2. Teeth with curved or unusually large roots
3. Teeth that have broken at the gum line. 

Is Tooth Extraction painful or will it pain after I reach home or work?

Since the entire process is done under proper local anaesthesia you experience no pain at all while performing. The only thing you may feel a little pressure while performing, but no pain. After the procedure usually, the pain and discomfort is minimal and if present only for a day or two. Even that is kept at a minimal level by prescribing you, pain killers.

You can very much resume work from the next day.

 

What care do I need to take After tooth Extraction and Removal?

1. When the anaesthesia wears off, there may be little jaw stiffness, difficulty in opening the mouth and some pain or discomfort. However, with medications, it will be under control and bearable. The anaesthesia effect may last for about 2-3 hours post-treatment.
2. The dentist will ask you to bite onto a cotton Gauze piece for about half an hour to help the blood clot form. It’s important to protect this clot as the wound heals.
3. After 1 Hour you can have something chilled like ice cream or smoothie. Eating food should be avoided until the anaesthesia effect wears off.
4. For a day you need to swallow all the blood and saliva which comes in your mouth. This is important so that clot formation isn’t disturbed. It is absolutely alright to swallow your own blood and saliva. It’s a part of you and your body.
5. Eat soft foods, and do not use a straw and don’t spit, as these actions can dislodge the clot.
6. Don’t smoke on the day of surgery, as it can increase the chance of dry socket, a painful condition that occurs when a blood clot doesn’t form in the hole, breaks off, or breaks down too early. 
7. Also, avoid smoking at least for a week following extraction until the wound heals.
8. You can apply ice externally from outside the mouth in the region of the tooth removal.
9. You need to avoid eating anything Hot, Hard and Spicy for 3-4 days. 
10. Diet needs to soft which requires minimal chewing like smoothies, yoghurt, shakes, puddings, soups, pureed foods etc.
11. Avoid spicy foods, nuts, popcorn, smoking, tobacco etc.
12. You need to start with warm saline gargles 3-4 times a day from the next day. (1/2 teaspoon of salt mixed with 1 glass of warm water.)
13. You can brush your teeth from the next day. You only need to be a little gentle in the region where we have removed your teeth.
14. Keep the area as clean and infection-free as possible.
15. Take your medications on time.
16. Avoid Alcohol while under medications.
17. If you get severe pain or swelling kindly report to us immediately.
18. It generally takes about 10 to 14 days for the wound to cover up.

 

What after tooth extraction? What about the missing tooth?

• Generally, we provide you with all the options available for tooth replacement, from implants to fixed bridges and removable dentures before removing the tooth itself. 
• If implants are planned, they can be placed at the same time while extracting your teeth or they can even be placed at a later date.
• Bridge or removable dentures are given after 10-14 days once the wound has healed.
• However temporary teeth can be given immediately after removal if the need be or dentist deems it necessary.