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WHEN
DO I NEED
A DENTAL
EXTRACTION?
In
dentistry
today,
many
extractions
are still
performed
to remove
unwanted
teeth or
roots.
Although
we always
try to
keep our
own teeth
for as
long as
possible,
sometimes
it is
better to
let go of
the
unwanted
tooth
than
restoring
it,
because
the
outcome
becomes
too
uncertain
or
compromised.
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POSSIBLE
CAUSES FOR A DENTAL
EXTRACTION
- Very
mobile teeth
(Advanced
Periodontitis
/ Gum
Disease)
- Too
little bone around
the teeth to anchor
the
roots
- Fractured
or trauma to the
teeth
- Infection
that destroyed most
of the healthy tooth
structure
- Orthodontic
reasons (e.g.
spacing)
- Financial
considerations
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TYPES
OF DENTAL
EXTRACTIONS
-
The
traditional
‘wiggle and
pull'
-
The modern
‘surgical
approach'
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Extracted
Tooth |
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WHERE
CAN A DENTAL EXTRACTION
TAKE
PLACE?
-
In a
surgery
- Under
sedation
- In
Hospital under
general
anesthesia
SURGICAL
APPROACH
DENTAL
SUTURES
Most of
the times the use
of
dental
sutures is
recommended to close the
wound and to speed up the
healing process. These
are dissolvable or
non-dissolvable.
CARE FOR
DENTAL
EXTRACTIONS
Extraction of a
tooth is minor surgery
and complications very
seldom occur when you
follow the correct
aftercare procedures. In
fact, doing certain
things, even on the first
day, may help you feel
better and heal
faster.
-
Control
The
Bleeding
This
is
the
first
aim
after
an
extraction
and
it
leads
to
rapid
tissue
growth
and
healing.
Bite
firmly
on
the
gauze placed
by
your
dentist.
The
pressure
helps
to
form
a
blood
clot
in
the
tooth
socket.
If
you
have
a
lot
of
bleeding,
bite
on
a
regular
tea
bag
until
the
bleeding
stops.
The
tannic
acid
in
the
tea
aids
in
forming
a
blood
clot.
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Guaze
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Painkillers
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Ice
Pack
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Get enough
rest |
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DO'S
-
Eat
soft,
healthy
foods
and
drink
plenty
of
liquids
-
Brush
gently
around
the
extraction
site
without
using
any
toothpaste.
(Rinsing
toothpaste
from
your
mouth
will
dislodge
the
blood
clot)
-
Keep
the
extraction
site
clean.
After
12
hours
you
may
be
able
to
gently
rinse
your
mouth.
-
Rinse
4
times
a
day
with
1
teaspoon
of
salt
in
a
warm
glass
of
water.
-
Eat
on
the
opposite
side
to
prevent
food
from
getting
into
the
socket
-
Rinse
your
mouth
very
gently
otherwise
the
blood
clot
may
dislodge!
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Salt
& Water |
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DON'TS
-
Don't
rinse
your
mouth
at
all
for
the
first
1-2
hours
after
the
extraction
as
this
may
dislodge
the
blood
clot.
-
Don't
drink
with
a
straw,
because
sucking
may
dislodge
the
blood
clot
-
Don't
fiddle
in
the
socket
with
your
tongue
-
Don't
drink
hot
liquids,
because
it
may
increase
the
swelling
and
sustain
from
using
alcohol.
It
may
slow
down
the
healing
process.
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Don't
smoke.
Smoking
may
break
down
the
blood
clot,
causing
a
painful
tooth
socket
-
Don't
chew.
Avoid
crunchy
or
sticky
foods,
such
as
popcorn,
gum
and
nuts.
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Don't
Smoke |
HOW
LONG WILL THE ANESTHETIC
LAST?
Your mouth
will feel numb anything
from 1 hour to 4 hours
CALL YOUR
DENTIST IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
HAPPENS:
-
Severe
pain in the
area (2-3 days
later) -
possible
infection
-
Continuous
bleeding
(slight oozing
of blood on
the first day
is
normal)
-
Excessive
swelling
around the
extraction
site. Itching
or rashes
occur after
you take
medication
(maybe an
allergic
reaction)
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