What To Expect From A Tooth Extraction?
Have questions about what to expect from a tooth extraction? Then check out our thorough guide below.
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What is tooth extraction?
Also known as pulling a tooth, a tooth extraction is a dental procedure where a tooth is fully removed from its socket.
Why do people need tooth extractions?
While most dental professionals will agree that it’s better to keep natural teeth wherever possible, there are a variety of situations where tooth extraction may be in the best interest of the patient, including:
Severe tooth decay
There are many treatments for tooth decay, such as fillings and root canals, but when these fail, an extraction may be the next best option. This is because it will remove the diseased tooth from the mouth, preventing further infection and decay.
Advanced gum disease
Also known as periodontitis, teeth can loosen because of gum and bone loss. In some cases, it can be better to remove these teeth to stop additional issues from developing. However, extraction should only be used in cases where there is no other option.
Impacted wisdom teeth
The third set of molars that grow at the back of your mouth is also known as wisdom teeth. These can sometimes grow in at an angle, causing them to become impacted, which can lead to a whole host of issues, from infection, decay and cysts. In these cases, removal of wisdom teeth can be the best approach.
Injury or trauma to the tooth
If a tooth has sustained a severe injury, then sometimes there is no other option than to remove it.
What to expect from the process of tooth extraction
Many people are wary of the process of tooth extraction because of the pain levels involved, but knowing what to expect can help alleviate many of these anxieties.
First off, simple extractions can take place in either a dental office, an oral surgeon’s office, or a hospital dental clinic. You will be given a local anaesthetic so your pain will be managed, and then your tooth will be loosened using a tool known as an elevator. Once it’s loose, your tooth can be removed carefully from the gum with forceps.
For a complex tooth extraction, seeing an oral surgeon is usually the best choice. Pain management usually involves both anaesthesia as well as sedation, so you will be asleep during the procedure. The oral surgeon may remove teeth using the above methods. They may also need to remove some bone. They will do this by first cutting a flap of gum tissue to allow them access. The tooth will then be removed whole or in pieces.
Once the tooth is removed, the dentist or oral surgeon will clean the area and smooth the bone. You may need stitches in your gum, and you will need to bite down on some damp gauze to help stop the bleeding.
Things to consider before you get a tooth extraction
Before you get a tooth extraction, it’s important to consider any possible complications that could occur. To help prevent this, seeing your dental professional for a final consultation before the procedure is the best approach. Additionally, it’s important that you let your dental professional know about any medical conditions or medications that you have in case they impact your procedure. For example, if you are on blood-thinning medications like Warfarin, your dentist will need to know this ahead of time.
Lastly, it’s important to carefully choose the dental professional that you go to for your extraction. Many patients prefer to see an oral surgeon for extractions rather than a traditional dentist as they have the experience and equipment to ensure the fastest, easiest and most comfortable removal.