TOOTH EXTRACTION
Reasons for Extraction-
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Severe Tooth Damage/Trauma: Some teeth have such extensive decay and damage (broken or cracked) that repair is not possible. For example, teeth affected by advanced gum (periodontal) disease may need to be pulled. As gum disease worsens, the tooth — supported by less surrounding bone — often loosens to such an extent that extraction is the only solution.
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Malpositioned/Nonfunctioning Teeth: To avoid possible complications that may result in an eventual, negative impact on oral health, your dentist may recommend removing teeth that are malaligned and/or essentially useless (teeth that have no opposing teeth to bite against).
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Orthodontic Treatment: Orthodontic treatment, such as braces, may require the removal of teeth to make needed space for improved teeth alignment.
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Extra Teeth: Also referred to as supernumerary teeth, extra teeth may block other teeth from erupting.
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Radiation: Head and neck radiation therapy may require the extraction of teeth in the field of radiation in order to help avoid possible complications, such as infection.
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Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of tooth infections, heightening the risk of extraction.
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Organ Transplant: Immunosuppressive medications prescribed after organ transplantation can increase the likelihood of tooth infection. As such, some teeth require removal prior to an organ transplant.
The Two Types of Extraction
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Simple Extractions: These are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth. They are simple extractions, and most are usually done under a local anesthetic, with or without anti-anxiety medications or sedation.
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Surgical Extractions: These involve teeth that cannot easily be seen or reached in the mouth, either because they have broken off at the gum line or they have not fully erupted. Surgical extractions require some type of surgical procedure, such as bone removal, removing and/or lifting and folding back all or part of the gum tissue to expose the tooth, or breaking the tooth into pieces (called tooth sectioning). Surgical extractions can be done with local anesthesia and/or conscious sedation. Patients with special medical conditions and young children may receive general anesthesia.
Aftercare
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Since bleeding is normal after an extraction. Some swelling and discomfort are normal after treatment.
Cold compresses or ice packs can help decrease the swelling. If your jaw is sore and stiff after the swelling dissipates, apply warm compresses. Sleeping with your head face upward to relieve pressure on the jaw, and keeping your head elevated with extra pillows also may help. In addition, you may be recommend you take an OTC pain reliever for several days. With surgical extractions — which generally cause more pain afterwards — we may prescribe a prescription pain medication.
Other aftercare tips include:
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Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours immediately following treatment.
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Stick to a soft or liquid diet (milk, ice cream, mashed potatoes, pudding) the day of and the day after a tooth extraction, gradually progressing to eating other easy-to-chew foods. Chew with teeth that are far from the extraction site.
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Brush and floss the other teeth as usual, but avoid the teeth and gum next to the extraction socket.
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After the first 24 hours, for at least five days after extraction, gently rinse the socket with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of water) after meals and before bed.
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Avoid anything that might dislodge the blood clot and delay or prevent normal healing.
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Do not smoke, vigorously rinse or spit, engage in strenuous activities, or drink through a straw for at least two days after an extraction.
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Stay away from hot liquids, foods that are crunchy or contain seeds or small grains, alcohol, and carbonated soft drinks for two to three days.
