Tooth extraction may be necessary for many reasons, including severe damage or decay. This procedure can kill bacteria and improve the overall condition of the oral cavity. Usually, dentists try to save the tooth, but there are cases when this is not possible. Wisdom teeth and baby teeth may also need to be removed in children.
We tell you in which cases teeth are removed, how the procedure is done, what the risks are, and why you should not pull a tooth at home, even if it is loose.
When is a tooth extraction recommended
If a tooth is badly damaged, your doctor may recommend removing it. Cavities in the mouth or a damaged tooth can damage other teeth, causing a domino effect. In addition, tooth extraction can help relieve toothache almost instantly, especially if your tooth was badly broken or infected.
Reasons for tooth extraction:
- severe decay;
- broken tooth;
- crowded teeth;
- severe gum disease;
- tooth trauma.
General dentists typically perform most extractions, but patients are referred to dental surgeons for more complex cases.
Procedure Details
Before extraction, your dentist will evaluate the affected tooth and surrounding tissues. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.
Tooth extraction is usually a relatively quick outpatient procedure performed under anesthesia. You will not feel any pain, just a slight pressure.
After anesthesia is applied, your doctor will first loosen the tooth and then carefully remove it from the socket. In more complex cases, your doctor may need to make an incision in your gums to remove the tooth.
What are the complications of tooth extraction
As with any surgical procedure, tooth extraction carries some risk of complications.
Possible complications after tooth extraction include:
- Postoperative infection;
- Dry socket;
- Nerve damage;
- Maxillary sinus perforation;
- Slow healing.
Common side effects of tooth extraction include bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. After the procedure, you can usually take painkillers and apply a cold compress to your cheek to help reduce swelling.
Recovery and care
The length of the recovery process depends on the complexity of the case. However, most people feel back to normal within a few days. However, it takes several weeks for the jawbone to heal completely. Therefore, if you are planning to replace your tooth with an implant, you will need to wait several months.
After the extraction, your dentist will give you a detailed list of post-operative instructions.
Here are some general tips for a speedy recovery:
Keep the extraction site clean;
Avoid brushing directly over the extraction site until it is fully healed;
Take all medications as directed;
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least two days: an elevated heart rate can increase bleeding and discomfort;
- avoid hard and crunchy foods for the first few days;
- do not use a straw for the first 24 hours;
- do not smoke;
- use pillows to elevate your head when lying down.
When to see a doctor
If you have bleeding that lasts more than 12 hours after a tooth extraction, a high fever, and chills, this may signal an infection. Nausea, coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath are also dangerous symptoms that you should respond to.
See a dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.
Why you should not pull a tooth at home
There are many tips on the Internet on how to pull a tooth at home. Removing a tooth at home is a very dangerous idea, even if it is loose, hanging by a thread, or hurts so much that it is difficult for you to get to the dentist.
Trying to pull a tooth yourself may seem like a quick solution, but it poses a serious health risk. Without professional expertise, you could end up with problems far more serious than a toothache.
Here are some of the dangers:
Infection: Removing a tooth at home without sterile tools puts you at risk for serious infections. Your mouth is full of bacteria, and improper tooth extraction can lead to an infection that will spread beyond your mouth.
Excessive bleeding: You may cause bleeding that is difficult to stop without medical attention.
Damage to surrounding teeth and gums: Pulling a tooth without proper technique can damage nearby teeth and tissues, leading to more dental problems in the future.
Incomplete extraction: If a tooth is not completely removed, the remaining fragments can cause ongoing pain, infection, and complications that require emergency dental care.
Jaw fractures: Some teeth, especially molars, have deep roots. Attempting to remove them with inappropriate force or instruments can result in a fractured jaw, which is a serious condition that requires surgery.
Dentists spend years training to safely perform procedures like tooth extractions. When you visit a dental clinic, your oral health is in good hands.
Here’s what you can expect from a professional extraction:
- Evaluation of the tooth and surrounding structures: Dentists don’t just pull a tooth without examining the bigger picture; they assess the health of your gums, jaw, and other teeth to determine the best course of action;
- Pain relief and anesthesia: One of the biggest benefits of a professional extraction is pain control. Dentists use local anesthetics to numb the area so you don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure;
- Safe extraction techniques: Professionals use specialized tools and techniques to ensure the tooth is completely removed without damaging the surrounding tissue;
- Care and healing recommendations: Post-extraction care is crucial to preventing infections and ensuring a smooth recovery. Your dentist will provide detailed instructions and prescribe medication if necessary to help reduce pain and prevent complications.
Can You Remove a Baby Tooth at Home for Your Child
If your child has a loose tooth and it’s bothering them, you may be considering having the baby tooth extracted. Baby teeth often fall out on their own. Children usually loosen them on their own. You can remove a tooth yourself if your child is 6 years old or older and the tooth is not loose due to decay or injury.
You should not pull a tooth if it is slightly loose and is firmly held. If you pull such a tooth, the socket may bleed a lot and hurt. It is also worth understanding that prematurely removing baby teeth can later lead to crooked adult teeth.
If your child is worried that it will hurt, place a clean ice pack on the gum near the tooth for a few minutes to numb the pain. Then use a clean cloth, gauze, or piece of paper towel to press down on the tooth. Quickly but gently twist the tooth until it falls out. If it takes more than one or two turns to pull the tooth out, the tooth is not loose enough yet and you should stop trying to remove it.
If you are not sure if you can remove a baby tooth yourself, take your child to the dentist.
It is never fun to hear that you need to have a tooth extracted. But sometimes, removing a tooth is the best way to eliminate infection and relieve pain. If your dentist recommends extraction, be sure to discuss replacement options with your dentist. Dental restorations, such as dental implants, dental bridges, or partial dentures, can restore the appearance, function, and overall health of your mouth. Never attempt to pull a tooth yourself.
Care at YAREMA DENTAL plays an important role in your oral health. Our experts can develop a personalized plan that will preserve your smile for the long term.