Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is the removal of tooth from the socket. As per rule, every effort is made to save a tooth by one or the other way thereby leaving ‘tooth extraction’ the last treatment modality.

Though tooth can be extracted by every dentist but oral surgeons are specially trained in this field. So, it is advised to go for tooth extraction from an oral surgeon. Before performing an extraction, dentist will advise general blood tests like Bleeding time and Clotting time and will check for any bleeding disorders.

Indications for tooth extraction

1. Severely damaged teeth due to caries (Grossly carious teeth).
2. Severely damaged teeth due to periodontal diseases.
3. Any apical abscess that has lead to an infection in sinus and which can’t be treated endodontically.
4. Teeth with multiple fractures
5. They can be extracted for orthodontic reasons.
6. In case of aged patients requiring a full mouth denture.
7. Cases of impaction
8. Teeth with severe fractures due to trauma

Steps in tooth extraction

1. After getting the satisfactory blood reports oral surgeon will give you local anesthesia.
2. Within minutes the area anesthetized will become numb and heavy.
3. The time surgeon pokes into the area, you will only feel the pressure of instruments.
4. The whole extraction procedure may last from 30 minutes to hours depending upon the tooth to be extracted.

Things to be taken care after Tooth extraction

1. Apply ice pack on the extraction site for at least 12 hours post surgery to prevent inflammation.
2. Take medications as prescribed.
3. Start warm saline gargles 12 hours post extraction.
4. Don’t smoke, suck or chew any hard food.
5. Maintain a proper oral hygiene.
6. Report to dentist if the pain is continuous and troublesome even after one week of extraction.

Source: http://www.identalhub.com/article_do’s-and-don’ts-after-tooth-extraction-153.aspx