Tooth Extractions

Your teeth perform a very important role in your life. They chew the food and send it to the stomach, thus doing the first and primary role in the digestion process. This food is your sustenance, allowing you to continue living your life.

Reasons for Tooth Extractions

Teeth therefore, play an important role. And when these teeth develop issues, they may often need to be extracted. One of the main reasons for a tooth extraction is that the tooth is totally decayed or infected. Another reason can be gum infection. In both these cases the decay or infection may cause risk to the supporting gum tissue and or the bones in your jaw.

There are also other reasons for tooth extractions. Sometimes, a tooth may block another tooth from coming in. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, a couple of teeth may need to be extracted so as to create sufficient space for the rest of your teeth to be aligned properly.

Types of Tooth Extractions

There are two types of tooth extractions. One is called the ‘simple’ procedure while the other is called a ‘surgical’ procedure.

Simple tooth extraction is usually performed under a local anesthetic. In this procedure the tooth is lifted using an instrument called the ‘elevator’ and is gently rocked back and forth using a dental forceps. This is done to break the teeth loose from the ligament and bone supporting the tooth. Once the tooth has broken loose, then it is gently pulled out.

Surgical tooth extraction is usually performed for teeth that are not so easy to access because they may have broken under the gum line or because they may not have erupted completely. Sometimes, the dentist may me required to drill the surrounding bone and even elevate the surrounding tissue to isolate the tooth. Alternatively, a dentist may even break the tooth into pieces which are easier to remove.

Risks After Tooth Extractions

There are several risks that may arise after a tooth extraction.

The simplest one is an infection. A dentist may, therefore, prescribe antibiotics after the extraction procedure which may arrest this risk of infection. Also a dentist may advice regarding some care to be taken with eating, so as to ensure that the risk of infection is reduced.

Bleeding is a common part of tooth extractions and may continue till after 48 hours of the extraction. However, prolonged bleeding may be a cause for concern and it is best to consult your dentist immediately.

If a surgical procedure has been used to remove the tooth, then there is a swelling in the nearby area. Swelling usually takes about 2 – 4 days to go down, but if pain and swelling persist, contact your dentist immediately.

Nerve injury is also another risk during a surgical procedure, because the nerves are very close to your teeth. The nerves may supply sensation to the teeth and surrounding areas, or may be connected with your tongue. These injuries are often temporary, but if there is no sensation in this area even after swelling disappears, contact your dentist immediately.