Tooth extraction is a dental treatment that involves totally removing your tooth from its socket. This is sometimes referred to as “pulling” a tooth.
When And Why Do I Need An Extraction?
When possible, dentists aim to keep natural teeth. Treatments such as tooth fillings, crowns and root canals can be performed to save teeth. However, if your tooth has been severely damaged and cannot be repaired, it may need to be removed. If you have any of the following, your dentist may propose tooth extraction:
- Tooth decay that is severe (cavities).
- A tooth that has been broken.
- A tooth that has been impacted.
- Teeth that are crowded.
- Gum disease is severe.
- Other dental injuries, such as tooth luxation.
Before An Extraction:
Your dentist will examine the problematic tooth and the gums around it. They will also take dental X-rays to identify the degree of the damage and examine bone levels. Any drugs, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking should be disclosed to your dentist. Once all of the necessary information has been acquired, treatment and sedative choices will be thoroughly reviewed with you. There are many different types of sedation available for tooth extraction procedures. It can help people who have dental anxiety or just make them more comfortable throughout the process. Types of sedation available include nitrous oxide, IV sedation and oral conscious sedation.
During An Extraction:
To begin, your affected tooth and surrounding gum tissue are numbed with topical anaesthetic. Your dentist will use sophisticated dental devices to gently loosen and pull your tooth from its socket. When your tooth is highly decaying or has broken off at the gum line, your dentist may need to create incisions in your gums to have access to it. The socket is cleaned and disinfected after your tooth is extracted. Your dentist may also use a dental bone transplant to help prevent bone loss in your jaw in specific circumstances. Finally, sutures may be used to aid in the healing process.
After An Extraction:
When the process is finished, your dentist will place a piece of gauze over the extraction site and instruct you to apply firm, consistent pressure to the area. This slows the bleeding and allows a blood clot to develop. (Clotting is a typical part of the healing process.) It aids in the healing process and helps to prevent dry sockets.) Once the bleeding has subsided, you can remove the gauze. During the first 24 hours, you may have minor bleeding.
It all depends on how complicated your situation is. Most people, return to normal in a matter of days. While you’ll be able to resume normal activities in 48 to 72 hours, the jawbone will take several weeks to fully heal. As a result, if you want to replace the tooth with a dental implant, you’ll probably have to wait a few months for it to fully heal.
Get in contact with the team at Northcote Dental today if you believe your tooth should be extracted. We’re here to assist you and make the procedure as easy and simple as possible.