Oral Information
Extractions
Extractions/Removal of a tooth or many teeth
Extraction: the absolute removal of a primary or a permanent tooth.
In the mouth of an individual, there may be many teeth or a tooth that is infected and brutally damaged. With this being a prominent and painful problem, it is advised by many dental specialists, to extract the teeth or tooth that is damaged. When the patient has been informed of the news, the individual, as well as the dental specialist, must act quickly and efficiently, as the infection will spread and cause a greater problem. Once this issue has been made aware to the patient, the dental specialist will methodically assess the patient’s health, medical, and dental history. Once all test have been carried out, the dental specialist will take the appropriate X-rays to reveal what and how severe the damage is, testing on the length, shape, and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. From the results, the dental specialist will be able to assess the level of difficulty of the procedure and will be able to determine if the case needs to be referred to an oral surgeon.
When we talk about the reasons for an extraction, it does not necessarily relate to one form of infection. There are many reasons why individuals may need a tooth removal. One being, the most common reason why individuals loose their teeth, is advanced gum disease. Another being a root canal treatment, where severe decay damaged has occurred very deep in the tooth. An abscessed tooth and a broken tooth that has broken at the gum line unfortunately cannot be saved, therefore, resorting to an extraction. Extraction may also need to occur, due to a wisdom tooth, which is not growing correctly or may disrupt the future jaw and mouth growth of the individual.
The process that is carried out for an extraction does require for the patient to under-go local anaesthetic, as the procedure is quite painful and uncomfortable. However, in some case, general anaesthetic will be used if the dental specialist is removing several or all the patient’s teeth as the general anaesthetic prevents all pain.
After the surgery has taken place, the patient may need some stiches as the gums have been cut open to remove the tooth. To stop the bleeding from the abrasion, the patient can place a cotton pad over the wound and gently bite downwards. After a few days, the patient may start feeling less pain and their dental specialist will be able to remove all stitches, as the gums will precede a natural healing process. After the gums have healed the patient can now decide on how to replace the missing tooth/teeth. The patient has many options before them. An upper or lower denture is an option many individuals take. Implants which are artificial teeth that a permanently secured in the gum, is another option that can be taken into consideration. Thirdly, a bridge, which is an appliance attached to remaining natural teeth, designed to restore aesthetics and function where teeth have been removed or failed to erupt. This is also another option to consider.
Recovery period is known to last less than a week. The list below can help speed up the recovery process.
What to do to help your recovery process
* Take your prescribed painkiller
* Rinse your mouth out with warm water with added salt, three
times a day
* Regularly change cotton pads before the are covered in blood
Eat soft foods
* Sit up right and raise your head when sleeping, as lying down increases
bleeding
* Carefully brush your tongue and teeth
* Relax after surgery
If individuals need to under-go such surgery, like extraction, they must understand the severe risks that can occur. Unfortunately, when dental specialists are carrying out the surgery, the risks of bacteria entering the mouth and through to the bloodstream via the cut of the extracted teeth, are possible. Individuals that have trouble fighting off infections should take antibiotics before and after the oral surgery. Also, individuals that have, artificial joints, damaged or artificial heart valves, take steroids for other conditions, have liver disease or have diabetes, should also take antibiotics before and after the oral surgery.
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