Tooth extraction is the process of removing incurable teeth from their socket in the bone.
Tooth extraction is performed in the following cases:
Although the tooth extraction procedure itself is generally a very safe medical practice, the procedure can lead to harmful bacteria entering the circulatory system. The gum tissue is also at risk of infection.
If there is a high risk of developing a severe infection due to another medical reason, antibiotics will be necessary before and after the tooth extraction.
For this reason, a full medical history should be shared with the dentist before a tooth extraction. In addition to regular medications and supplements, conditions such as damaged or artificial heart valves, congenital heart defects, impaired immune system, liver disease (cirrhosis), artificial joints, e.g. hip replacements, bacterial endocarditis, etc. should be reported to the dentist.
Before tooth extraction, local anesthesia is applied to the extraction area to prevent pain. Then the numbness provided by local anesthesia is checked. If sufficient numbness is achieved, the extraction is performed.
The duration of the tooth extraction procedure may vary depending on many factors such as the relationship of the tooth with the bone, the number of roots of the tooth and the position of the tooth with neighboring teeth. For this reason, although it is not possible to give a clear time for tooth extraction, it can be determined as 20 minutes on average. It should be kept in mind that the time may be longer in more complicated cases.
After a tooth has been extracted, the dentist sends the individual home to recover. The healing process usually continues for several days. There are a few steps that can be taken to minimize any discomfort, reduce the risk of infection and speed up healing.
First of all, painkillers should be used as prescribed. It is necessary to bite firmly but gently on the gauze placed by the dentist to reduce bleeding and to prevent a clot from forming in the socket. It is necessary to change the gauze pads before they have absorbed the blood thoroughly and completely. In other cases it is necessary to keep the gauze pad in place for three to four hours after tooth extraction.
To prevent swelling in the area, it is helpful to apply an ice pack to the affected area immediately after tooth extraction. This bag should be applied for 10 minutes at a time.
Smoking is harmful for oral and dental health in addition to general body health. Smoking should be avoided especially after tooth extraction. In addition to the active ingredients of cigarettes, there are many harmful chemical components. These chemicals burn and cause the risk of bleeding and infection in the area where tooth extraction is performed. Oral hygiene should be given extra importance after tooth extraction.
After tooth extraction, pain, localized bruising and swelling may occur in the area as the effects of the anesthetics wear off. This swelling usually subsides spontaneously within a few hours. Depending on the intensity and duration of the procedure, swelling may continue for 2-3 days after tooth extraction. Swelling can be reduced with the help of ice. Increased swelling in the area after tooth extraction may indicate an infection. This should be reported to the dentist.
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