Tooth Extractions: What are they and why do you need them?
Tooth extractions are sometimes referred to as exodontia or tooth pulling because they involve the complete removal of teeth from their socket inside the mouth. Extractions are a relatively simple dental procedure that can resolve various issues and help alleviate discomfort. Here are some key points to consider about dental extractions.
How are Extractions Performed?
Tooth extractions are generally performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area where the tooth is to be extracted. Your dentist will use special instruments such as elevators and forceps to gently rock the tooth back and forth until it is removed. Sometimes it is followed by sutures to close the open wound or socket. When teeth have broken off below the gum line, a “surgical extraction” is required. This involves cutting the tooth out from the socket.
When are Extractions Needed?
There are several reasons why a dentist may recommend teeth extractions, with the most common being severe decay. Teeth that are severely decayed can become infected, resulting in significant pain and swelling. Extremely decayed teeth cannot be filled; therefore, they must be extracted. Extractions may be necessary before getting braces to create space for the remaining teeth to move into position. They may also be performed whenever there is trauma to a tooth, or severe gum disease has affected the supporting bone tissues, and the tooth is loose.
After an Extraction
Since stitches may be present, you should avoid eating hard foods for a few days, as doing so could cause them to come loose. Your dentist will provide you with instructions on how and when to change the gauze on your stitches. Be sure to follow this advice carefully to prevent the area from becoming infected—brush and floss as usual to keep food particles from entering the opening. If you experience pain or swelling, use over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, to help alleviate your discomfort.
Contact a Dentist
While most people do not experience any complications after a tooth extraction, there are still some things to be mindful of. One is uncontrolled bleeding or bleeding that persists for more than 24 hours after the extraction. Uncontrollable pain, fever or chills, or swelling that worsens progressively over time all indicate that an infection may have set in. If you experience any of these symptoms, please get in touch with your dentist immediately for an evaluation. Antibiotics may be necessary to help control your symptoms and prevent further complications.
Tooth extractions are one of the most common dental procedures performed on both children and adults. They are also one of the simplest dental procedures, and result in relatively few side effects or complications. If you are facing a dental extraction, you’ll also be glad to know there are a number of solutions available for replacing your lost tooth as well.