Extractions

When does a tooth have to be extracted?

When decay has reached deep into the tooth and the infection has destroyed much of the tooth and surrounding bone or there is no space in the dental arch.
Impacted or partially erupted teeth should be extracted and placed in the arc because food debris and bacteria can enter the area surrounding the partially erupted tooth can cause infection or impacted teeth can develop cysts intraosseous. Impacted teeth despite not having space to erupt they will continue trying to break through the gum may cause injury to adjacent teeth.

How is a tooth extracted?

The area around the tooth is anesthetized, with a tool (sindesmotomo) the gum is separated from the tooth, then another instrument (the lever) allows to release he tooth from the bone surrounding it and ultimately the tooth is removed with forceps.
You may need suturing.

What are the precautions after a tooth extraction?

The dentist will ask the patient to bite on gauze for 30 minutes to limit the bleeding while the clot is formed. On the day of extraction the pacient should not smoke or rinse liquids, hot foods and avoid strenuous physical exercise. You may experience pain or discomfort after the extraction therefore  your dentist will prescribe medication to combat this. You can also put ice in 15-minute intervals to minimize pain and inflammation.
In the following days should gargle with an antiseptic solution (chlorhexidine) three times a day after brushing.
Typically, the discomfort after dental extraction has improved 3-5 days. In case of persistent pain, swelling, bleeding or fever after 24 hours, the patient should seek a dentist.

 

What complications may occur?

Infection can occur but this usually does not occur when the immune system is healthy.
A common complication is to drought alveolitis that occurs when a clot is not formed or when it breaks prematurely, exposing the bone in the oral cavity. It is  potentially painful.

 

 

Sometime after a tooth extraction, bone and gums can change its shape leading to a change of position of the remaining teeth.

 

Wisdom teeth should be extracted?