Tooth Extraction
What is Tooth Extraction? How To? Does it hurt?
Tooth extraction is the preferred solution when there is a problem and saving the tooth seems unlikely. We can say that tooth extraction is preferred as a last resort for dentists. In cases where it is not possible to save the tooth, removing the tooth from the mouth without damaging the surrounding tissues is called tooth extraction. In this procedure, the tooth is removed from its socket in the bone, called the socket, with the help of medical instruments. We will touch on all the curious questions about the subject, such as how long tooth extraction takes and whether it is painful. First, let's discuss in more detail how this process is done.
Article Content
How is Tooth Extraction Done?
Does Tooth Extraction Hurt?
How Long Does Tooth Extraction Take?
Why Do Teeth Have to Be Extracted?
What Can Be Done to Overcome the Fear of Tooth Extraction?
What Should Be Considered After Tooth Extraction?
Can I smoke after tooth extraction?
How is Tooth Extraction Done?
First of all, let us state that tooth extraction is an intervention that must be performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. Local anesthesia is performed to numb this area before the tooth is extracted . Anesthesia drug is delivered to the area by injection method. Numbness occurs in a very short time and then the procedure can be started. During the procedure, the tooth is moved with a medical device called a dental elevator . Then, the tooth is grasped tightly using a hammer .
Afterwards, the tooth needs to be moved slightly to loosen it from its ligaments. The tooth is separated from its ligaments by slight movements forward and backward, and thus the tooth extraction process is easily performed. Only in some cases, it may be possible for the tooth to be partially evacuated from the mouth. Apart from this, the tooth is usually extracted in a single piece. It is expected that there will be slight bleeding after tooth extraction. We should also point out that this light bleeding is necessary. Most often, a blood clot occurs in the hollow part left behind after the extraction. Because this blood clot must occur in order for healing to begin after tooth extraction. It is also possible for the dentist to place a medical material in this area to control bleeding.
Does Tooth Extraction Hurt?
The majority of patients are worried about feeling pain during tooth extraction. However, the patient is prevented from feeling pain during this procedure with the help of anesthesia. This is the purpose of numbing the area with local anesthesia before starting the tooth extraction . The patient does not feel pain, cramps, aches or pain. There is no need to worry about this. Before starting the tooth extraction, the dentist checks whether the anesthesia is effective or not. Once the numbness is completely achieved, the shooting process begins.
How Long Does Tooth Extraction Take?
If no surgery is required, the tooth extraction process is completed in 15 to 20 minutes. However, we can say that the time required to extract a tooth with more than one root may be slightly longer. However, the duration of surgical tooth extractions will be longer. Sometimes, an impacted tooth problem may be encountered. In this case, tooth extraction must be performed through surgical intervention. Of course, the process requires more time to complete. Before starting the tooth extraction, your dentist will give an estimate of the procedure time.
Why Do Teeth Have to Be Extracted?
Of course, tooth extraction may be necessary due to many different reasons. We can give the following examples for these reasons:
It is not possible to save the tooth with methods such as filling, root canal treatment or crown.
Although the milk teeth should have fallen out, they still haven't fallen out.
There is loosening of the tooth and it is not possible to save the tooth despite gum treatment.
Various discomforts due to impacted teeth
Presence of teeth that cause space congestion in the jaw
Presence of wisdom teeth causing severe pain
Some aesthetic concerns
Having problems such as tumors or cysts
Required for some orthodontic treatments
Of course, we should point out that in the cases listed above, tooth extraction is performed as a last resort. Often, existing treatment procedures are evaluated and the most appropriate treatment for the patient is applied. In cases where it is not successful, it may be necessary to take this action.
What Can Be Done to Overcome the Fear of Tooth Extraction?
Fear of the dentist or dental treatment is one of the common problems experienced by many people. This problem can sometimes appear as just the fear of tooth extraction. It is never desirable for a person to neglect dental treatments or not go to dental check-ups due to fear . Therefore, this fear must be overcome. You can talk to your dentist about this. Many people who have fears about dental treatment can overcome this fear when they have a detailed conversation with the dentist.
The procedures to be performed by the dentist can be explained in order. Getting information about what actions to take is also important in overcoming the fear. If patients have such a fear, they should trust the dentist. At the same time, it is important to have a healthy communication with the dentist to ensure trust.
What Should Be Considered After Tooth Extraction?
There is no harm in the patient going home after the tooth extraction procedure. However, we should note that recovery will continue for several days. There may be slight pain during this period, and this is completely normal. In case of pain, you should only use the pain reliever prescribed by your dentist. You should definitely avoid taking excessive dosages of painkillers or using medication indiscriminately. However, due to the risk of infection , the dentist may prescribe antibiotic medication. Antibiotic drugs need to be used regularly.
Sometimes the dentist may place gauze on the area where the tooth was extracted to stop bleeding and prevent clot formation. The gauze needs to be gently bitten immediately after extraction. In this way, pressure can be created and bleeding can be stopped. Depending on the intervention, the gauze may need to be left in this area for several hours. You should keep the gauze on for the period specified by your dentist and not remove it earlier.
Cold compress can be applied to the area where the tooth was extracted to prevent swelling. However, excessive application of cold compresses should be avoided. You should keep the cold compress on the area for a maximum of 10 minutes each time and then remove it. Vigorous mouth rinsing may also be harmful for 24 hours after tooth extraction. In this case, the clot formed may become dislodged. It would be beneficial not to consume very hot or very cold foods for a few days.
Can I smoke after tooth extraction?
Of course, you should definitely not smoke after tooth extraction. Smoking, especially within the first 24 hours following tooth extraction, can cause serious inflammation. However, it should not be forgotten that smoking also hinders the healing of wounds. It can harm the healing process and increase the pain experienced after tooth extraction.