Removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone is what tooth extraction procedure is all about. From the aspect of the majority of patients undergoing this procedure is a little daunting and nerve-wracking task but as for dentists it is a standard dental procedure by all means. Let us use this opportunity to get rid of the anxiety related to tooth extraction or removal procedure once and for all. Here are a few little things that will help you prepare for this so-called nerve-wracking procedure.
But first let us know when extraction of a tooth becomes necessary.
Situations when extraction of the tooth becomes necessary
A tooth that is broken or damaged by decay can be fixed with dental appliances like crown; even a filling or any other dental procedure proves helpful in these conditions. But in certain cases, the extent of the damage is too severe and repairing becomes impossible. In those cases, dentists have no better recommendation than extraction. Here are a few typical conditions in which tooth extraction is the only option as well as solution.
- The decay has gone too deep into the tooth to affect its natural structure.
- The tooth as well as the surrounding bone structure has become infected.
- Additional teeth come in the way and block the eruption of the other teeth.
- There is a crunch of space in the mouth to accommodate all the teeth.
- There may not be sufficient space in the jaw for the wisdom tooth or third molar to come in.
- The teeth are severely crooked and there is no space left for the teeth to grow or to move the teeth into correct alignment through some orthodontic treatment or the other.
Preparations necessary before tooth extraction
According to a dentist who has years of experience in handling patients for tooth removal in London saysbefore removing a tooth from its socket in the mouth carefully reviewing the patient’s both medical and dental histories is important. It is also important to take necessary x-rays. These digital photographs reveal a lot of useful information about the shape, length and position of the tooth. Dental x-rays also show the supporting bone structures of a tooth and all this information helps the dentist measure the level of complexity involved in a case. General dentists usually refer the cases of tooth removal that seem little difficult or involves lot of complexities to an oral surgeon.
The procedure of tooth extraction and local anaesthesia go hand in hand; even in a simple case of tooth extraction that involves zero complexity a dentist administers local anaesthesia on a patient. As a result, the area surrounding the tooth that is to be extracted becomes numb. The cases that involve a lot of complexities usually require surgical extraction. A dentist or an oral surgeon usually administers intravenous anaesthesia or IV on the patients in the cases that involve surgical extraction of the tooth. Intravenous sedation may range from general anaesthesia to conscious sedation; this kind of sedation actually puts a patient to sleep. Considering this probability dentists always recommend to bring someone to drive you home safely after the procedure. It is also important that someone accompanies you constantly even at home until the effect of anaesthesia wears off completely.
Tooth extraction and the process involved
According to a dentist based in London, extraction of a tooth can be done in either of the two ways – a simple extraction and a surgical extraction. First let us take a look at the simple extraction procedure and then we will discuss the surgical procedure.
When the tooth that is to be removed or extracted is visible inside the mouth then the simple extraction procedure is sufficient. In the majority of such cases in the UK a general dentist performs the extraction procedure. The procedure is relatively simple. First, sedation is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding bone and soft tissues. Once anesthesia takes effect, the dentist uses an elevator to loosen the tooth, then dental forceps to remove it from its socket.
A surgical extraction of a tooth is undoubtedly a complex procedure and there are a number of factors behind it. The tooth could be broken off at the gum line or is yet to come through the gum tissues. In the UK, surgical tooth extractions are usually performed by oral surgeons, though general dentists can also handle them. The procedure begins with a small incision in the gum near the targeted tooth. Next, the underlying tooth is removed. In complicated surgical extractions, some of the bone supporting the tooth may also need to be removed. When complications arise, a dentist may cut the tooth into pieces to make extraction easier, says a London-based expert.
Treatment aftercare
Once the tooth is removed it is important to keep the area clean and maintain hygiene, else infection may develop at the site leading to further complications. Immediately after the extraction blood clots must form at the treatment site to control as well as to stop bleeding. Your dentist will ask you to bite down on a dry, sterile piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes. This helps blood clots form faster. For the next 24 hours, avoid smoking and do not rinse your mouth vigorously.
Even any attempt to clean the teeth close to the site of extraction should also be avoided. To relieve pain and discomfort after a tooth extraction, your dentist may suggest taking painkillers and applying a cold compress. They may also advise avoiding strenuous activities, hot foods, and drinks for the next two to three days to support healing.
Emergency dentist and tooth extraction
A question that people ask often is can an emergency dentist remove teeth? In the UK, the answer is yes: an emergency dentist can extract your teeth. However, they do so only under specific circumstances—
- Suffering from periodontal disease
- Experiencing from impacted wisdom tooth
- A tooth that is severely fractured
- Heavy bleeding and swelling in the mouth
But before extracting a tooth, an Emergency Dentist in London or anywhere else in the UK will first take an x ray to assess the condition of the problem tooth. Moreover, the expert will also take a thorough look at the other remaining teeth in the mouth. Based on the overall assessment, the dental professional may proceed to remove the tooth in question safely and efficiently.