A tooth extraction can be done in two different ways: simple and complex. As a rule, molars (molars and premolars) are extracted, less often this procedure is performed on canines or incisors.
There are many reasons for extraction, for example, a deep caries, an abscess, pyorrhea, tooth constriction.
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Easy extraction
In this procedure, the dentist places local anesthesia in the area where he needs to extract the tooth.
For this procedure, two instruments are used, which are called root lifter and pliers.
The dentist loosens the tooth with the root lifter.
A special structure called the root membrane holds the tooth firmly in the cavity of the gums.
When loosening, the fibers around the tooth are separated and the tooth remains anchored to the root.
Then the dentist removes the tooth together with the root using forceps.
There is a slight bleeding.
If an implant is to be inserted after extraction, the dentist inserts a temporary tooth to avoid degeneration of the underlying bone.
The mouth swells and remains swollen for up to about 48 hours.
The healing process takes about 7-10 days, then the patient can eat solid food again.
Operative extraction
This is a complex procedure that is carried out in the following cases:
• Tooth fragments
in the jawbone • Upper or lower wisdom tooth (third molar)
The dentist makes a small incision in the gums, using a scalpel and a hammer.
Sometimes some of the bones around the tooth are removed or the tooth is cut in half for extraction. Then the tooth is extracted using pliers and root lifters.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Sick people and children may need general anesthesia.
Even if the procedure does not cause pain, you can feel a slight feeling of pressure.
As a precaution, the dentist lets the patient rest in the clinic for about 15-20 minutes.
He also inserts a cotton ball into the resulting tooth cavity to stop the bleeding and prescribes a sedative or painkiller.
Since anesthesia and painkillers can interact with certain medications, it is necessary to inform the dentist about the entire medical history and the medications currently taken.
Extraction of the wisdom tooth
Reasons for removing the wisdom tooth (also called third molar). There are several reasons why a dentist recommends extracting a wisdom tooth:
- If you have a small jaw that does not provide sufficient space for these wisdom teeth, the dentist often recommends extraction.
- Often the wisdom tooth stands at an unusual angle, is trapped (or ankylosed) or exerts pressure on the adjacent teeth.
Method for extracting the wisdom tooth
Often the extraction of wisdom teeth is done with the help of surgical intervention. Local anesthesia is used, which numbs the area. If all wisdom teeth are removed in a single operation, this could also be done under general anesthesia and require a one-day hospital stay.
Usually, the dentist takes an X-ray beforehand to see which teeth are affected.
During surgery, the dentist removes the surrounding gums and bone that could cover the tooth.
If the tooth is separated from the gums and bones, it can be removed.
Sometimes the dentist also has to split the wisdom tooth into smaller parts in order to be able to remove it more easily.
Sometimes the resulting wound needs to be stitched.
These sutures can be made of suture material that dissolves on its own over time, or stitches that need to be removed by the dentist after a few days.
The dentist also places a cotton tampon on the site of the removed tooth. This helps to stop the bleeding.
Complications during surgery
Sometimes the tooth can break during extraction.
This fracture makes the extraction process more complicated.
Even if it does not happen too often, during extraction in some patients, the adjacent teeth could be damaged.
It can also happen that neighboring dental restorations (such as crowns or dental implants) suffer damage.
In some cases, a small piece of the tooth root could get stuck in the cavity. Sometimes the dentist can remove this piece; in other cases, it may remain in the cavity to prevent damage to the nearby nerve.Another complication is nerve injury, which can occur during surgery.
This is one of the most common complications in the extraction of wisdom teeth, but it can also occur when extracting any other tooth if the nerve runs very close to the root of the tooth.
If teeth are extracted from the lower jaw, the alveolar nerve could be damaged.
In this case, the patient feels numbness on the lower lip and chin.
Nerve damage can also occur on the lingual nerve.
Most often, these nerve injuries occur when lifting the tooth or when using the tooth drill.
The nerve should heal within a few weeks or months, but in some people the damage can remain permanent.
During tooth extraction, fracture of the jaw can occur in people with a weak jawbone.
Another complication is an injury to the paranasal sinuses during tooth extraction of teeth of the upper jaw.
Sometimes the maxillary sinus (which is located above the upper premolars or molars) may remain open.
This happens when the bone structure separating the tooth cavity from the maxillary sinus is pierced or removed (with the tooth) during tooth extraction.
Most often, this injury heals on its own.
If not, she needs to be treated by corrective surgery.
The fragments must be removed to prevent complications.
Complications after extraction
Dry alveolus after tooth extraction
Symptoms associated with dry alveolus include foul odor from the area of tooth extraction and moderate or severe pain radiating to the eye and ear.
Control of the extraction area can result in a bone with an empty and exposed cavity, which is due to the absence of a blood coagel.
Infection after tooth extraction
Even if this is relatively harmless, inadequate treatment after surgery can lead to an infection.
Symptoms of infection due to tooth extraction
• redness, swelling or excessive pus formation
• fever, chills and severe headache • bad breath and bad taste in the mouth • nausea or vomiting • cough and chest pain • jaw pain and problems opening the mouth
• enlarged cervical lymph nodes
Another complication that can occur after an extraction is a long-lasting bleeding, which the dentist can deal with without much difficulty.
Swelling is a common side effect of tooth extraction and usually passes over the course of 24 hours.
In rare cases, an extraction can go badly and a tooth granuloma can form.
Is tooth extraction safe during pregnancy?
An extraction itself is safe, but you should avoid even the smallest risk.
Of course, if the extraction can be postponed or done before a planned pregnancy, it is safer.
A tooth extraction should only be performed if it is an emergency.
The drugs prescribed after extraction can have some side effects on the fetus. Therefore, drugs belonging to “category B” should be chosen, as they are considered safe in pregnancy.
Some people believe that an X-ray could harm the child, but studies have shown that the effects on the child are negligible.
However, in order to exclude even the smallest effect, a lead apron is used to shield the uterus during X-ray for diagnostic purposes.
Anesthetics should be used very carefully, as in a high dosage they can be harmful in the subsequent stages of pregnancy.
Tooth extractions should be avoided completely in the early stages, as they can significantly increase the risk of spontaneous abortion.
Nutrition after tooth extraction
If the dentist has just extracted a tooth, you should know what to eat after tooth extraction.
You can eat soft foods that are easily digestible.
In other words, any food that does not need to be chewed and can be swallowed directly.
At the very least, you should eat something nutritious and soft.
Here are some examples of foods you can eat after a tooth extraction.
One of the best foods is soup. Even though soups often have a thick consistency, they are easy to swallow.
If vegetables or chicken are included, the ingredients should be completely crushed with a blender.
Another option for soft foods is a milkshake, as it is easy to drink.
However, you should not drink the milkshake with a straw. It is better to use a spoon or drink directly from the glass.
In addition to milkshake, ice cream is another food recommended by doctors. In this case, ice cream from the cup is easier to eat than popsicles. Ice cream in waffle bags, on the other hand, should be better avoided.
Mashed potatoes is another example of a soft dish.
In addition to the foods mentioned above, here are other soft foods that you can eat:
• Fruit juices • Yogurt
• Smoothie (without milk)
Baby food is also a good choice.
Recovery after tooth extraction
First of all, one should follow the above instructions to stop bleeding.
For pain, the dentist may prescribe an analgesic such as paracetamol.
Pharmacological treatment includes an antibiotic to prevent the development of infection.
Keep
the operating area clean In order for the area to recover quickly after the surgical incision, you should rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water at least eight times a day.
To do this, mix half a teaspoon of salt into a quarter liter of water and use it for gargling; never use boiling water.
This is one of the most effective natural means of cleaning the wound area.
The next morning, you can carefully brush the adjacent teeth of the extraction area, but you should avoid quick movements that can tear open the freshly sutured tissue.
For good healing, food particles must be eliminated.
These food particles favor the growth of bacteria that can cause infection.
After extraction, the wound area swells. The severity of the swelling depends on the type of operation.
The more invasive the procedure, the stronger the swelling.
On the first day you see a facial swelling, which probably reaches its peak on the second day.
If the operating area is still swollen after the second day, you should contact the dentist, as it could be the symptom of a dental infection.
How to shorten the recovery time after tooth extraction?
From the second day, one should gargle with warm salt water to prevent infection in the oral cavity.
After extraction, an ice pack should be applied during the day to promote the narrowing of blood vessels and prevent the formation of swelling. This shortens the healing time after tooth extraction.
One should not smoke for at least two days after an extraction, as smoking can be a factor that significantly hinders the healing of the wound.
You should not drink alcohol for at least 48 hours.
After extraction, do not brush the teeth too hard, as this could remove the blood clake.
If the patient experiences pain or bleeding profusely after extraction, he should immediately inform the dentist. Both can be signs that the blood coagel has come loose, which can lead to severe pain.
Healing process after tooth extraction
Although the healing time varies from person to person, it is normal to experience discomfort, bleeding and swelling in the first 24 hours after extraction.
The swelling can last up to 48 hours, but it usually takes 1-2 weeks to heal completely.
Nevertheless, care after tooth extraction is very important for recovery.
The recovery time after a tooth extraction depends on the extraction method used.
How long does the pain last?
In general, the patient feels pain in the first two days, from the 3rd day inflammation and swelling subside, and the patient has less pain.
Common costs
Here is a brief overview of the estimated cost of tooth extraction after describing a procedure:
Simple tooth extraction: A simple extraction, in which the root connections of the tooth are not very deep and it can therefore be pulled completely, costs between 100 and 150 euros. In some areas, this simple extraction can also cost 75 euros.
Surgical tooth extraction: Sometimes tooth extraction is only partially successful because it breaks or there are other complications, such as a bone cover.
In the case of a broken tooth, the cost of removal is between 150 and 300 euros. The extraction of an enclosed tooth is between 200 and 350 euros.
Wisdom tooth: If it is completely erupted, the extraction costs between 150 and 300 euros. If the wisdom tooth is only half erupted or enclosed, its extraction can cost between 350 and 650 euros. Recovery after extracting a wisdom tooth takes longer than a simple tooth.
