Dental or tooth extraction is a minor oral surgical procedure which involves the removal of a single tooth or multiple teeth. Tooth extraction is performed by dental surgeons who are trained to perform minor oral surgical procedures or oral and maxillofacial surgeons who specialize in exodontia (removal of tooth). Dental extractions are done both for preventive causes as well as treatment purposes. Since, it is a minor oral surgical procedure it is important to understand its risks and benefits before going ahead with the treatment.
When is a tooth extraction advised ?
As mentioned above a tooth extraction can be advised for both preventive and treatment requirements. Below are mentioned few indications for a tooth extraction.
- When milk teeth have not exfoliated and need to be removed to pave the way for permanent teeth eruption
- When the tooth/teeth are decayed and they cannot be saved by any restorative methods such as a filling or a root canal treatment
- When there is gum or periodontal disease causing mobility of the tooth
- Extraction of teeth to create space for orthodontic treatments (mainly premolars)
- Removal of third molars which are impacted due to lack of space
When a tooth extraction is not performed ?
Since, tooth extraction is a minor oral surgical procedure, there might be complications associated with the same. Hence a detailed medical and oral examination with the history of medication is required before one is posted for a dental extraction procedure. Below mentioned are few conditions when a tooth extraction is reconsidered.
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Uncontrolled Hypertension
- History of bleeding disorders
- History of clotting disorders
- History of congenital heart disease or any other heart diseases
- Immunocompromised state/health of the patient
- History of any liver disease
- Any artificial joints (hip replacement or knee replacement)
The above mentioned conditions kind of pose a threat to the extraction procedure and hence can lead to serious complications. Hence, a medical consent is much required before the tooth extraction in case of any such conditions.
How do you prepare for a tooth extraction procedure ?
The tooth extraction is performed on the dental chair in the dentist’s office and before posting you for the dental procedure the dental surgeon will do a thorough over all examination of your health as well as a detailed history taking if you have any health problems and if you are on any mediation. Certain medications can interfere with the treatment as such and may lead to complications. The surgeon might also advise some radiographs (X-rays) to identify the tooth and its surrounding bone to plan the surgical procedure
Is the tooth extraction procedure performed under anesthesia ?
Yes, the tooth extraction procedure is performed under the influence of local anesthesia (lignocaine 2% with or without adrenaline). In case of children who have to undergo multiple extractions and are uncooperative even general anesthesia can be administered.
What happens during a tooth extraction procedure ?
The patient is made to sit comfortably on the dental chair and the anesthetic solution is administered in the area where the tooth has to be removed. Usually, nerve blocks are given depending upon the tooth and the jaw where the tooth is located. After the advent of anesthesia, the surgeon starts the procedure. Initially, an elevator is used to reflect the gums so that more surface of the tooth can be exposed. Single rooted teeth can also be removed with the elevator itself without the requirement of any other instruments. For multiple rooted teeth, tooth forceps are used. Once the tooth is removed the surgeon will either suture the extraction socket to aid in the healing of the surgical wound or just apply pressure pack on the same to control the bleeding. You will be asked to keep the pressure pack for about an hour. If you have been given stitches, you might have to visit the surgeon after a week or ten days to get them removed.
What care is required after a tooth extraction ?
The surgeon will ask you to keep the gauze over the surgical site for about an hour to help in the formation of the clot and then remove it. Once the effect of anesthetic fades off you will experience pain caused by tooth removal and hence the surgeon will put you on some painkillers and antibiotics to relieve the pain and prevent any infection. You will be strictly instructed to not spit, avoid using a straw, blow hard through your mouth and consume hot liquids at least for 24hours. After you have remove the surgical gauze, the surgeon will advise you to have a glass of cold juice (without straw) or have an ice cream as it will aid in the wound healing. You will be required to immediately report to your treating doctor if you experience any swelling, pus or discharge from the surgical wound.
What are the complications associated with tooth extraction ?
Tooth extraction is a minor surgical procedure hence there might be few or more complications associated with the same. Bleeding and infection can occur at the surgical site. There is a condition which affects the extraction sockets where the socket wound does not heal instead gets infected, this condition is called as the “dry socket”. Dry socket can lead to serious complications related to the dental extraction. In case of individuals who are medically compromised the wound healing may be delayed.
Is tooth impaction the same as tooth extraction ?
Tooth impaction is more complicated oral surgical procedure where an impacted tooth is removed. By impacted tooth, we mean a tooth which is embedded into the bone and is either not or partially erupted in the oral cavity. Usually third molars are impacted if they don’t find any space to erupt in the oral cavity. During a tooth impaction also a tooth is removed but the procedure is a little complicated as it may involve removal of the jaw bone as well. If you have an impacted tooth, it is advised that you consult with your treating surgeon about how to get it treated and the risks and benefits of getting the impacted tooth removed.
How to find dental surgeons for tooth extraction procedure ?
Now you can find dental surgeons for tooth extraction from different dental clinics, hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple dental surgeons , get approximate cost for tooth extraction from different dental clinics and hospitals, compare things and then choose a dental surgeon or a hospital for tooth extraction.
Find and choose a dental surgeon for tooth extraction on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
