Main reasons for tooth extraction:
1. Pain.
2. Infection.
3. Poor oral hygiene.
4. Abscess in the gum.
5. Risk of damage to the tooth or adjacent teeth.
6. Tooth decay and damage.
7. Fractured tooth.
8. Smoking and tobacco products.
9. Gum diseases.
10. Tumors in the gum.
How is a tooth extracted?
There are two methods: simple extraction and surgical extraction.
Simple Extraction:
- Usually done in a dentist's clinic.
- Local anesthesia is administered.
- The tooth is loosened and removed.
Surgical Extraction:
- Might take longer than a simple extraction.
- Performed when the tooth isn't easily accessible, as with some wisdom teeth.
- Involves making a surgical cut in the gum.
- The extraction area may need stitches.
What to expect after tooth extraction?
The recovery varies from 24-48 hours post-extraction to a month, depending on the extraction method and individual healing process. Gums start healing, and after about three days, the hole where the tooth was begins to close. After a month, the extraction site should be completely healed.
Should I be concerned about wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are natural but can sometimes be problematic, leading to complications like:
1. Misalignment.
2. Incomplete growth causing gum infections.
3. Impact on other teeth.
The gum might take 3 weeks to a month to heal after wisdom tooth extraction.
Tips for faster healing after tooth extraction:
- Keep gauze over the wound.
- Avoid touching or disturbing the clot.
- Maintain oral hygiene.
- Avoid hot or very cold drinks immediately post-extraction.
- Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Consume soft foods initially.
- Use cold packs to reduce swelling.
- Use antibacterial mouthwash during recovery.
- Consult with your dentist about suitable pain relievers.
Potential risks during the healing phase:
- A painful condition called dry socket can occur if a blood clot doesn't form or gets dislodged from the extraction site.
- Other symptoms like bad breath, pain spreading to the ear or eye, and delayed healing might accompany dry socket.
- X-rays may be essential to diagnose dry socket or bone infection.
Potential post-extraction complications:
- Severe or unbearable pain.
- Extended discomfort.
- Lingering numbness.
- Nausea, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
- Prolonged bleeding.
- Fever.
- Pus discharge.
- Difficulty opening the mouth.
- Increased jaw swelling.
- Sour or bitter taste even after rinsing.
- Exposed bone in the extraction site.
- Absence of a blood clot post-extraction, signaling potential dry socket.
Always consult with a dentist or oral surgeon if you experience these or any unexpected symptoms after a tooth extraction.