Are you scheduled for a tooth extraction? Here is what you should know
Teeth extraction is a common procedure. Nevertheless, it is a daunting experience for many especially when one anticipates the visit to the dentist. The secret to handling the situation is knowing what to expect and the procedure. With sufficient information, all your fears can be washed away being that the procedure if standard.
Tooth extraction is the removal of the teeth from their sockets. Wisdom teeth removal is one of the common procedures, which involves the removal of a tooth, in this case the wisdom teeth. The other teeth’s can also be removed is only that wisdom teeth removal is common because it is necessary as a curative measure especially when there are varied complications with the wisdom teeth that require the removal of a tooth.
When do you have to remove your teeth?
There are various situations that the dentist will prescribe that the particular tooth or teeth are removed. These are situations whereby repairing of the teeth that is damaged is not possible and measures such as filling, crowning, and other forms of dental treatment are not possible. After the dentist has observed the teeth, he will make recommendations on the right way to address the situation. Here are some of the issues that will lead your dentist to have your teeth or tooth removed.
When there is a decay or infection that has extensively damaged the teeth and reached deeper depths. When there is trauma or injury of the teeth that cannot be corrected or repaired through the other simple processes. When there is no enough room for other teeth in the mouth necessitating a situation whereby space is to be created within the oral cavity. In cases whereby the baby teeth have refused to fall out curtailing the growth and development of the other mature teeth, the teeth will be surgically removed. In cases of specific orthodontic treatments that require surgical extraction of the teeth to enable the treatment. The surgical extraction of wisdom teeth or the third molars that have to be removed before they erupt.
The preparation for the procedure
The process begins with an observation of the tooth or teeth through x-rays or other forms of evaluation of the state of the teeth. The x-ray provides an understanding of situations such as the length, shape, and location of the teeth and the bone that surrounding it. The observation of the teeth will allow the dentist to make a decision on the ideal way to remove the tooth or teeth or make a referral to an oral surgeon.
To ensure that you do not feel the pain, the area will be numbed before the removal of the teeth. This is done through the local anesthetic unless the situation is very complicated that intravenous anesthesia will be necessary. It is important to make arrangement of how you will get back home in case you are headed for the intravenous anesthesia. The effect of the sedation does not wear off fast.
The tooth extraction types
Once you are headed for the removal of the tooth, there are probably two options that you will face. You may be taken for a simple extraction, which involves the removal of the teeth that can be seen in your mouth. The process will involve the dentist simply numbing the tooth removal site specifically the gum tissue around the tooth and loosen the tooth with an elevator after which the dental forceps will be used to remove the tooth. The procedure is not complex.
The second is the surgical removal of the teeth. This complex procedure will involve cutting into the gums and accessing the jawbone to remove the teeth or tooth. The gum will then be closed after the procedure. In complicated situations, a dental surgeon may be called in. However, your dentist can conduct the procedure.
After extraction
After the procedure, it is important that you keep your teeth clean. Maintain quality oral hygiene even after the area has healed. This will prevent infections and any other post-surgery complications. If you are scheduled for further appointments for observation or any other reason, ensure that you attend the appointments to ensure that no complications are realized afterward.