What is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is the name given to the surgical removal of the tooth from its socket in the bone, which is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon as a relatively quick outpatient procedure with local, general, intravenous anesthesia or a combination.
Simple tooth extraction is the name given to the technique used in the extraction of teeth that appear in the mouth while the patient is under the influence of local anesthesia.
Why Is The Tooth Extracted?
In some cases, it may be necessary to extract the teeth in adults. Although it is ideal to use adult teeth that replace primary teeth in childhood, it may be necessary to extract teeth for more than one reason.
The most common of these causes is that the teeth are too damaged to be repaired due to trauma or decay. In addition, dentists may find it appropriate to extract teeth for preliminary preparation in the mouth, especially in cases where there are many teeth that do not fully fit in the jaw, requiring orthodontic treatment. In similar cases, impacted tooth extraction can be performed for teeth that do not protrude above the gums, or for wisdom teeth.
If tooth decay or damage has spread to the dental pulp, the nucleus made up of nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth, bacteria in the mouth can enter and cause an infection. This condition can usually be corrected with root canal treatment, but if the infection is very severe and antibiotics or root canal treatment are not sufficient, tooth extraction may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading.
In a similar situation, if the immune system is at risk due to chemotherapy or drugs used for organ transplantation, due to another medical complication, even the risk of infection in the tooth may be sufficient reason to remove the tooth.
After Tooth Extraction
After a tooth is extracted, the dentist sends the individual home to heal. The healing process usually takes a few days. There are a few steps that can be taken to minimize any discomfort that may be felt during this process, reduce the risk of infection, and speed up recovery.
First of all, pain relievers should be used as prescribed. It is necessary to bite firmly but gently over the gauze placed by the dentist, both to reduce bleeding and to ensure that a clot forms in the tooth socket. It is necessary to change the gauze before they absorb the blood thoroughly and completely. In other cases, it is necessary to keep the gauze pad there for three to four hours after tooth extraction.
It is helpful to apply an ice pack to the affected area immediately after tooth extraction to prevent swelling in the area. This bag should be applied for 10 minutes at a time.
It is necessary to rest for at least 24 hours after tooth extraction and limit activities to be performed for the next day or two. Again, for 24 hours after tooth extraction, it is necessary to avoid rinsing this area vigorously with water or spitting in order not to dislodge the clot formed in the socket. After 24 hours, the mouth can be washed by mixing half a teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water.
After tooth extraction, foods such as soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, pudding or applesauce should be consumed. As the extracted area heals, solid foods should be gradually introduced. Pipette should not be used during the first 24 hours. Smoking should be avoided during the healing process to accelerate recovery.
While lying down, the head should be supported and held up with a pillow. Lying flat can prolong the bleeding process.
In addition to brushing the teeth and tongue, flossing should be continued by staying away from the extracted area. Doing so will help prevent infection.
Pain after tooth extraction can be felt after the effect of anesthesia wears off, this is normal. Some swelling and light bleeding can be expected for 24 hours after a tooth is extracted.
However, if bleeding or severe pain persists for more than four hours after tooth extraction, the dentist should be sought and reported again.
In addition, it is necessary to consult a dentist if symptoms of infection, including fever and chills, nausea or vomiting, redness, swelling or excessive discharge from the affected area, cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain are complained.
