It is removal of tooth from the mouth due to one or many reasons.
Reasons for extracting teeth
- Tooth that is too badly damaged, from trauma or decay, to be repaired.
- To prepare the mouth for alignment of teeth (orthodontics).
- Infection - If tooth decay or damage extends to the pulp.
- Risk of infection - If your immune system is compromised (for example, if you are receiving radiation or are having an organ transplant).
- Gum disease - Infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth that have caused loosening of the teeth.
What to expect with tooth extraction
- Dentists and oral surgeons (dentists with special training to perform surgery) perform tooth extractions under an injection of a local anaesthetic (or pain medicine) to numb the area.
- Once the tooth has been extracted, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. The dentist will pack a gauze pad into the socket and get you to bite down on it to help stop the bleeding. Sometimes the dentist will place a few stitches, usually self-dissolving, to close the gum edges over the extraction site.
Post Extraction care
- Recovery typically takes a few days.
- Take painkillers as prescribed or over the counter products suggested by your dentist - such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or paracetamol. Antibiotics might be prescribed in infected cases.
- Bite firmly but gently on the gauze pad to reduce bleeding and allow a clot to form in the tooth socket for half hour after the extraction.
- Apply an ice bag to the affected area immediately after the procedure to keep down bleeding and swelling. Apply ice for 10 minutes at a time.
- Relax for at least 24 hours after the extraction. Limit activity for the next day or two.
- Avoid rinsing or spitting for six hours after the extraction to avoid dislodging the clot that forms in the socket.
- Do not drink from a straw for the first 24 hours.
- Do not smoke, as it can inhibit healing.
- Eat cold and softer foods (such as icecream, milkshakes, yoghurt etc) the day after the extraction. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as the extraction site heals.
- When lying down, prop your head up with pillows. Lying flat may prolong bleeding.
- Continue to brush and floss your teeth, and brush your tongue, but avoid the extraction site. Doing so will help prevent infection.