What is tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is a procedure performed to remove teeth from the bone socket.

When tooth extraction is required?

A broken tooth can usually be repaired with a filling, a crown or another form of treatment. In cases when it cannot be repaired, the tooth needs to be extracted. It can also need to be removed when it is becoming very loose. Other reasons for tooth extraction are the following:

• • An extra tooth blocking other teeth
• • When getting braces, there may a need to make some room for the teeth moved in place
• • Wisdom Teeth or third molars are often removed before or after they come in. In most of the cases they appear in late teens or early 20s. Wisdom Teeth are extracted when they cause pain or infection or if they are decayed. They sometimes get stuck in the jaw and cause gum irritation, swelling and pain.

What is the difference between a surgical tooth extraction and a tooth extraction?

A Surgical tooth extraction is required when there can be some complications such as extensive decay causing the tooth breaking off at the gum line. In that situation, it is more difficult to remove the root tips. Other difficult situation can be caused by curved roots, making the tooth removal from the socket more complicated. Sometimes the dentist needs to cut the tooth and remove it in parts, especially in case of bony involvement. An infection can also qualify the tooth to be removed in a surgical way as it makes it difficult to get the area numb, and the bleeding will be more intense.

What are the post - extraction instructions ?

Do's

A. Do keep relatively quiet and rest on the day of your tooth extraction.

B. Do keep gauze pack in place for 30-45 minutes surgery, then remove.

C. Use ice packs immediately after surgery and for the next 24 hours to reduce swelling. Apply ice packs for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.

D. Be on cold and soft diet for next 24 hours.
E. Do take all prescribed medications such antibiotics and painkillers etc. as directed.

F. Do have someone with you for the most of the day if you were sedated for surgery.

G. Do Brush teeth and gums well beginning 24 hours after surgery.

Don'ts

A. Do not spit, rinse or smoke for 24 hours. It dislodges the blood clots forming in the sockets.

B. Do not drink through straws for 5 days. Drink directly from the glass or use a spoon

C. Do not take aspirin or aspirin products, since they may prolong bleeding

D. Do not drive a car, ride a bike or drink any alcoholic beverages while taking prescribed pain medications. Also do not take pain medications on an empty stomach.

E. Do not change gauze more than once every hour for the next 3-4 hours following surgery. Remove gauze if no bleeding after the four hours.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AND WHAT TO DO

A. Bleeding may continue for a short period of time or may persist until the next day. Maintain gentle pressure by biting on the gauze packs until it stops. Do not chew on the gauze. If bleeding starts again, put gauze, a clean white cloth, or a damp teabag over the bleeding area and bite on it with firm, steady pressure for one hour. Do not chew on it. If profuse bleeding or any other problems occur, please call us.

B. Some degree of swelling and discomfort following the surgery is to be expected. Discoloration and a slight stiffness of the jaw can be normal post-operative events. Do not be alarmed. Maximal swelling is expected on a second day and may last for several days. A sore throat or tender nose may also occur. C. Do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth until the morning following the surgery.

D. If prescribed, take anti-pain medication and antibiotics as directed. It is important to take the prescribed antibiotics even if there is no pain or swelling.

E. Most of the time the sutures or stitches used dissolve by themselves and small pieces will come out approximately 4-6 days following the surgery. This is to be expected. If the sutures need to be removed, an appointment will be made for you.

F. Eat a normal diet the day after surgery. It is very important that you chew. The jaws will stiffen very quickly if not used. A balanced diet is important to the healing process.

G. Good dental hygiene is important and should be started the day after surgery. Brush your teeth well, and begin rinsing with warm water with a pinch of salt added. Do this 4-5 times a day, especially after eating.

For assistance please call: +91-9818009463