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Tooth extraction is also known as pulling out a tooth. The procedure is performed when conservative treatment has turned out to be ineffective or the destruction of the tooth is so advanced that it is impossible to rebuild it. Extraction is usually performed under local anesthesia. The entire procedure is then painless.
Indications for tooth extraction
The indications for tooth extraction are based on: from diseases of hard tissues of the teeth. Then they are not suitable for conservative or prosthetic treatment. A dentist is not able to save a tooth with irreversible pulpitis caused by obstruction of the canals or insufficient amount of tooth tissue needed for its reconstruction.
The indications for extraction also include: loosening of the teeth, roots outside the alveolar process, recurrent inflammation.
Often the tooth is extracted due to orthodontic indications. During the diagnostic process, the dentist may conclude that the teeth are too tight.
As a result of injuries to the facial part of the skull, a tooth may crack or break off. However, not all damaged teeth are doomed to extraction.
The course of the tooth extraction procedure
The tooth extraction procedure consists of several stages. After administering anesthesia, the dentist tears the circular ligament surrounding the tooth, applies forceps and dislocates the tooth. For each tooth, appropriate movements have been assigned to separate the tooth from the bone. When the tooth is sufficiently loose, it can be pulled out of the socket. The next stage of the extraction procedure is a thorough cleaning of the socket in such a way that no inflammatory changes, bone fragments and a crushed tooth remain in it. The wound is protected with a sterile dressing that stops bleeding.
It happens that multi-root teeth have to be cut into smaller fragments before the next stage of the procedure.
Surgical tooth extraction usually concerns patients whose wisdom teeth are retained or a root is left in the bone. There are also cases where tooth extraction cannot be performed in any other way.
After the procedure, the patient should follow the doctor’s instructions in order to avoid complications. You cannot eat or drink anything for two hours after the extraction. Subsequent meals should be soft and cool. Intensive rinsing of the mouth should be avoided for 3 days after the procedure.
Complications after tooth extraction
The following complications may occur during the procedure:
- damage to the vessels or nerves near the removed tooth,
- fracture of the adjacent tooth,
- broken bones,
- opening of the maxillary sinus,
- accidental extraction of an adjacent tooth.
Complications that may occur after the procedure include:
- dry socket,
- prolonged bleeding
- purulent alveolitis.
Complications related to the presence of bacteria include fever and malaise. They can occur within a few days after tooth extraction. All disturbing symptoms should be consulted with a doctor.