What is a dental tooth extraction?
A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth when that tooth cannot be saved anymore in somebody's mouth. Tooth extraction is necessary when the tooth is damaged beyond recuperation, basically beyond repair.
What types of dental extractions are there?
Dental extractions can be simple extractions, or they can be surgical extractions. Those are a little more complicated.
What is the difference between a simple and surgical extraction?
A simple extraction is when you simply use elevators or forceps to remove the tooth, versus when a tooth is ankylosed into the bone. At that time, it might require using a drill to release the bone around the tooth before that tooth can be removed.
When are wisdom teeth recommended for extraction?
Normally, wisdom teeth are recommended to be extracted in most cases unless the tooth is asymptomatic, does not bother the patient, and is in a fairly decent position. Then that wisdom tooth can stay in that position. An impacted wisdom tooth will always be recommended for extraction.
When are teeth extracted before orthodontic treatment?
When there is not enough space in somebody's mouth for the number of teeth they have, then certain teeth are required to be extracted first before the orthodontic treatment is completed.
When are tooth extractions recommended for children?
Tooth extractions in children are recommended when they're done sequentially according to the time when the permanent teeth are supposed to come in, and definitely fillings can be placed on baby teeth.
When does bone loss and mobility mean a tooth needs extracted?
When a tooth has too much bone loss and a lot of mobility, at that point the tooth cannot be saved anymore and needs to be extracted.
Are tooth extractions considered oral surgery?
Yes, all tooth extractions are considered part of oral surgery.
What should I do if I need an emergency tooth extraction?
If you need an emergency tooth extraction, please feel free to call us at (610) 553-3389. At Premier Smiles, we are here to help you and walk you through any dental procedures you may need.
How long does a tooth extraction procedure usually take?
Normally, once the patient is anesthetized, most extractions don't last more than one or two minutes. Sometimes they can go over that, but most of them usually take just a couple of minutes.
Should teeth be replaced after extraction?
If the teeth are other than wisdom teeth, it is recommended that they be replaced with a dental implant.
What kind of anesthesia or sedation can be used for dental extractions?
Patients can be put to sleep or have conscious sedation as well, but most extractions can be done with just local anesthesia.
What care is needed after a tooth extraction?
For the first couple of days, the patient needs to be careful in that particular area. They should definitely brush the rest of their teeth vigorously, but when they get close to that area, they should pay more attention and not touch the particular area where the tooth was extracted.
There is a set of rules we hand every patient on a piece of paper. Technically, they're not allowed to drink through a straw. They should avoid anything with seeds. They shouldn't do heavy exercise. They should brush their teeth, but be very gentle in that area. When they rinse their mouth, they shouldn't swish the mouthwash around. Instead, they should simply shake their head and let it trickle out of their mouth on the opposite side. It's not necessarily avoiding rinsing; it's just avoiding disturbing the area because the blood clot can be dislodged.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket sometimes can hurt more after the tooth extraction than the tooth did prior to the extraction. Basically, bacteria from somebody's mouth feed off the blood clot, preventing the blood clot from forming, and that's what causes that intense, constant pain.
When can a patient return to normal routine after an extraction?
Normally, the patient is advised to wait two or three days, enough time for the blood clot to fully form inside the socket, and after that, the patient can go back to a normal routine.
How long is the recovery after a tooth extraction?
The recovery is different from patient to patient, and it has a lot to do with oral hygiene, diet, and basically their bodies.
At Premier Smiles, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (610) 553-3389 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.