Tooth extraction should be the last option in the treatment of a tooth. If there is really no choice but to extract the tooth, the important thing is to preserve the bone and gingival tissue as much as possible during the procedure.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extraction

 

What is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is the removal of the tooth from its socket in the bone under local anesthesia. It is usually a quick procedure, but in decayed teeth with substance loss, the procedure requires precision. In cases such as root fracture, the processing time in the bone may be prolonged.

 

Why Is The Tooth Extracted?

During childhood, the milk teeth in the mouth complete their task over time and fall by shaking to make room for the permanent teeth that will come from below. When the milk teeth do not fall out on their own, milk tooth extraction is required. Permanent teeth will take place in the space formed after the extraction of milk teeth. The removal of permanent teeth that have taken their place in the mouth since adulthood means that there is a toothless space in that area. Although it is undesirable, in some cases, adult teeth may need to be extracted.

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The main reason for tooth extraction is often irreparable damage to dental tissues as a result of caries or trauma. In addition, in individuals with a small jaw structure, tooth extraction may be required if all of the teeth cannot be placed on the jaw properly or to correct the deteriorated tooth array for orthodontic treatment. For similar reasons, impacted tooth extraction may be required for teeth that cannot be replaced in the mouth or for wisdom teeth.

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In teeth that have lost tissue over time as a result of tooth decay, bacteria can progress to the tooth central veins and nerves, called pulp. In this case, it is not possible to repair the tooth with only a filling and the need for root canal treatment occurs. In neglected teeth, the infection intensifies over time and can spread to the root tip. Long-lasting root-end infections can also progress to the formation of a dental cyst or jaw cyst. In cases where drug treatment with antibiotics and root canal treatment are not sufficient, the tooth may need to be extracted.

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When heavy drugs are used for immune system diseases, chemotherapy or organ transplantation, even the slightest infection in the body poses a great risk. In such cases, tooth extraction can be applied to quickly eliminate the risk of infection.

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Gum diseases lead to the melting of the adjacent bone tissue surrounding the tooth over time. Teeth that have lost support become loose and begin to shake. Depending on the severity of tooth loosening due to bone resorption, it may be a reason for tooth extraction.

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How to Prepare Before Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a simple and safe medical procedure. However, there is a risk of mixing harmful bacteria into the blood during tooth extraction. In case of any risk concerning the general health system, antibiotic use may be necessary before tooth extraction. For this reason, the entire medical history should be shared with the dentist before dental treatments. Heart diseases, immune system diseases, liver disease, joint prosthesis, bacterial endocarditis and medications that should be used regularly should be explained before the procedure. 

 

How Is Tooth Extraction Performed?

Local anesthesia is used to numb the area before tooth extraction. General anesthesia may be preferred for patient comfort in cases requiring long procedures such as impacted wisdom teeth.

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During tooth extraction, force is applied with various tools. Most of the time, the teeth are removed in one piece, but the decayed teeth sometimes have to be removed in multiple pieces. Bleeding in the extracted tooth area is normal and natural. Over time, a blood clot will form in the cavity where the tooth sits in the bone. In the first half hour after the procedure, it will be beneficial to bite a tampon for the formation of a healthy clot. In some cases, a few stitches may be taken to tighten the gingiva in the extraction area.

 

In cases where the clot does not form well or cannot adhere to the bone after extraction, the bone is exposed.

This condition, called alveolitis (Dry Socket), is painful and poses a risk for the area to heal. Conditions that disrupt the formation of the clot are mostly constant spitting, shaking, consumption of hot food and cigarettes in the first days. Pain that starts on the 3rd or 4th days after tooth extraction should not be neglected and a dentist should be consulted immediately. Since clot formation is required for the healing process, the area should be bled again and antibiotic drugs should be used if necessary.

 

What Should Be Considered After Tooth Extraction?

The healing process of tooth extraction is usually very fast and takes 1-2 days. There are a few important points to be considered in order to accelerate healing and prevent infection in the extraction area.

 

The tampon that prevents bleeding and promotes clot formation should be bitten tightly. Prescribed medications and pain relievers should be used as directed by the dentist. It is helpful to apply cold immediately after tooth extraction to prevent swelling. Care should be taken not to apply cold to the same area for more than 10 minutes. 

 

Even if a single tooth is extracted, it is necessary to rest within 24 hours after the procedure and to avoid intense physical activities for a few days. Spitting, rinsing, playing with the tongue, consuming hot foods and smoking in the first 48 hours will adversely affect the formation of clots in the shooting area. After 24 hours after the procedure, the mouth can be washed with salt water mouthwash.

 

After tooth extraction, soft foods such as puree, yogurt, pudding and warm soup should be consumed. After the extraction site begins to heal (average 48 hours), solid foods can be gradually introduced. The use of straws in drinks for two days is inconvenient as it will create negative pressure on the clot. Smoking should be avoided for at least 48 hours to accelerate recovery.

 

It will be correct to sleep on a high pillow the first night after the procedure. Lying flat can increase bleeding. 

 

Oral hygiene practices should not be abandoned for fear of bleeding. In order to accelerate healing, it is important to clean the oral environment from food residues. Routine brushing of the teeth and tongue can be continued, only the tooth extraction area should be avoided. It is necessary not to traumatize the shooting space with the brush. A clean oral environment will reduce the risk of infection.

 

It is normal to see swelling and bleeding in the form of leakage in the first 48 hours after the extraction. Within 4-6 hours after the procedure, the effect of anesthesia wears off and pain begins to occur. In case of severe pain that does not stop despite painkillers and bleeding lasting more than 6 hours, the dentist should be called and the situation should be reported. 

 

In cases such as fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cough, shortness of breath and chest pain after tooth extraction, it is necessary to consult a dentist or the nearest health institution without losing time.

 

How Long Does the Recovery Process Take After Tooth Extraction?

When does the cavity formed after tooth extraction close? The question is very curious. The cavity formed in the bone is first covered by the gingiva and this process takes 1-2 weeks. It takes 3-6 months for the cavity to be completely filled with bone. Bone resorption may begin again in the jaw areas that remain toothless for a long time. Therefore, orthodontic treatment or dental implant treatment should be planned without delay after tooth extraction. Otherwise, there may not be enough bone tissue for these treatments in the future.