A dental extraction, popularly known as tooth extraction or exodontia or even tooth pulling, removes teeth from the dental alveolus or socket in the alveolar bone. Dentists and oral surgeons perform tooth extraction for several reasons.
This article will look into the significance of tooth extraction reasons, preparation for the extraction process, and the most crucial part- why tooth extraction mustn’t be delayed at all costs.
Although removing wisdom teeth is common among teens and adults, there are other reasons why tooth extraction is necessary. The process is generally a quick outpatient procedure that requires local, general, intravenous anesthesia, or a combination of all. Visible teeth are simpler to extract, but the broken, impacted, or below the surface ones require more involved procedures.
Following are some of the reasons for tooth extraction
When it comes to removing a tooth, two types of extractions exists.
Simple extractions are useful to extract the visible teeth within the mouth. This can be performed very quickly in the dentist’s office. After the extraction is done and the bleeding stops, you are free to leave the office. In this procedure, the teeth are removed easily with the help of dental forceps.
Surgical extractions are performed in cases when the teeth or tooth is not easily accessible inside the mouth. These procedures occur under the guidance of a general anesthetic. Surgical extractions generally occur at specialized clinics.
The cost for tooth extraction depends on one factor- whether the tooth is impacted or not! A simple tooth extraction costs between $75 and $200. The type of anesthesia used in the procedure is an essential factor determining the overall cost for tooth extraction.
However, the cost of removing impacted teeth is much higher. It can significantly cost between $800 and $4,000.
First, the dentist will take an X-ray of your tooth before starting with the extracting procedure. Inform your dentists beforehand if you are on medication or take any supplements, drugs, or vitamins. It is also essential to inform your doctor if you will be undergoing another medical condition with an intravenous drug known as a bisphosphonate. If the procedure occurs before the drug treatment, there could be a severe risk of bone death or osteonecrosis.
If you are suffering from any of the conditions mentioned below, inform your doctor immediately.
The dentist will most likely examine thoroughly to ensure that the conditions are stable before undergoing the tooth extraction. Antibiotics may be prescribed to you if
It is advisable to keep the following things in mind for the day of the tooth extraction
After the completion of the extraction, the doctor will send you back home to recover. It typically takes a few days to recover. The following tips will help minimize the pain and discomfort, reducing the risks of infection and a speedy recovery.
It is entirely normal to feel some pain after the anesthesia wears off. Again, it is normal to have some swelling and residual bleeding 24 hours after the tooth extraction. However, your case will need attention if the bleeding and swelling are severe for more than four hours after the tooth extraction.
If you experience any of the following, call the dentist
New bone and gum tissues grow into the gap during the initial healing period, and it takes about one to two weeks.
You may undergo a few risks after the tooth extraction. Usually, after a tooth extraction, a blood clot naturally forms in the socket. However, when the blot clot does not form or dislodges, the bone inside the socket is completely exposed. It is known as a dry socket. The dentist will protect the area if something like this happens by putting a sedative dressing over the area for a couple of days. In the meantime, a new clot will develop. There are some other risks, such as
Tooth extraction must not be delayed for the following reasons.
If an infection is present in the teeth, it will deteriorate your oral health and cause other major health problems. Delaying the extraction will only increase the problem. Similarly, medicinal support will help in preventing the infection from spreading. However, once you stop taking the medications prescribed to you, the infection and swelling will continue to spread.
Only an endodontist can determine the salvation of a cracked tooth. If extraction is required, it is mandatory to get it done immediately to prevent the onset of other symptoms.
A large area of the tooth and bone exposes during tooth extraction. Add to this the chances that bacteria may spread to the bloodstream and tissues. If the extraction occurs during the initial period when there are no symptoms, the chances of controlling the infection and preventing the bacterial spread are better.
It usually takes a few days to heal. Following the guidelines provided by the dentist will help you recover in no time.