Tooth extractions: Procedure and complications

Amongst all the dental procedures, the most dreaded by people is the removal of the tooth from the mouth or extraction of the tooth. Uprooting can only be hard for patients who do not cooperate with the procedure. Staying patient and following the instructions that are given by the dentist can provide a quick and uncomplicated method.

The more you know or learn about the extraction procedure, the more relaxed and hassle-free will it be for you. Here is everything you need to know before you get your tooth pulled out.

Reasons for pulling Tooth

The permanent is supposed to last a lifetime, but poor oral hygiene maintenance and ignorance can lead to loss of teeth. Teeth are extracted due to decay or damage, but here are a few other reasons for tooth extraction:

Crowding: It refers to the presence of un-aligned teeth. Removal of crowding is done during orthodontic treatment. It creates a space in order align the rest of the teeth.
Severe decay: Tooth decay if not controlled, spreads to the center of the tooth and involves the pulp. The tooth can be saved in such cases, with root canal treatment but if the treatment fails or the decay spreads beyond the roots, the tooth will require extraction.
Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease or gum disease can cause the tooth to lose its support and become mobile, which leads to its extraction.
Infection: Tooth decay when reaches the pulp, causes pulp infection. When this disease extends to the roots, it causes abscess after which the tooth cannot be saved and has to be extracted.
Low immunity: If a person has a tooth decay or infection while his immune system is compromised, or when he is undergoing a treatment which makes him vulnerable to disease, the dentist pulls out the decayed tooth as a preventive measure.
Supernumerary teeth: In many patients, there is a presence of extra teeth that erupt in unusual places like on the roof of the mouth. These teeth might cause injuries or can be unpleasing to look. Hence, they are removed.
Radiation therapy: Sometimes, before taking a head and neck radiation therapy the doctor recommends extraction of the teeth, to manage the tumors.
Impacted teeth: Impacted teeth, which are very often wisdom teeth, can cause many dental problems and are typically extracted.
Fractured teeth.
Teeth present in the fracture line.

What is extraction?

Dental extraction also known as exodontia is the painless removal of the tooth from the socket or bone. An ideal extraction should be painless, and should not injure any of the surrounding tissues. It is a cheaper procedure as compared to the other dental procedures. There are two types of extraction:

Simple: This kind of removal is done on teeth which are readily visible in the mouth. It is done by loosening the tooth and then pulling it out under the influence of local anesthesia.
Surgical: This type of extraction is performed on teeth which are covered entirely or partially by gums or bone. This kind of surgery is preferred to be conducted by a certified oral surgeon. Though, general dentists can also perform them.

How is it done?

Dr. Scott Simpson, a Tigard Dentist, recommends his patients understand any procedure before visiting the clinic. The process of extraction involves:

Anaesthesia: The objective of injecting anesthetic solution is to numb the tooth to be extracted and its supporting tissues. The dentist will inject local anesthesia near the tooth to be removed which may pinch a bit but will prevent you from feeling any pain that extraction could cause.
Removal: After the area is anesthetized, the dentist will first use an elevator to lift the tooth from its socket and then use forceps to pull them out. You will not feel any pain when the tooth is pulled out.
Healing: After the entire tooth is successfully pulled out, the aim is to form a blood clot. The dentist will place a gauze in the socket and ask you to bite down on it to create pressure. If the extraction is surgical, the dentist might spot a few stitches to help the gums in healing.

Possible complications

Infection: Infections usually occur due to reasons like using unsterilized instruments or infection remaining after extraction. It can also happen if the patient doesn’t follow the postoperative instructions correctly. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics in such cases.
Excessive bleeding: It can be a result of incomplete healing or any blood disorder.
Swelling in the gums: Swelling is a rare complication but may occur if any tissue is injured during the extraction.
Nerve injury: Nerve injury can be caused by extraction of teeth with proximity to any nerve. The dentist must have a good knowledge of anatomy to prevent that.
Dry socket: It is a common complication that occurs as a result of a blood clot. It is usually very unpleasant.

So, if you feel the requirement of getting your teeth extracted, book an appointment with the best dentist in your town and get yourself checked today!

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_extraction
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/e/extractions
http://appletreedentistry.net/tooth-extractions/
http://appletreedentistry.net/

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