Did you know that almost every three in four British adults has at least one missing natural tooth? While dentists mostly remove those teeth that cannot be saved, dental extractions are also performed for other reasons. If your dentist has also informed you that you need one of your teeth removed, you might be wondering what a dental extraction is and what the procedure is.
But there is no need to worry because this blog contains all the information you need about tooth extractions. So, continue reading to get answers to all your questions related to teeth extraction.
What Is Dental Extraction Treatment?
According to the American Dental Association, tooth extraction is a procedure in which your dentist will remove a tooth from its socket. A dental extraction is a surgical procedure that is performed using a local anaesthetic to ensure that the patient remains pain-free.
Remove Or Save? When Do I Need To Extract My Tooth?
Dentists strive to save even the most grossly damaged or infected teeth thanks to modern dentistry. That is why, the number of dental extractions performed by dentists worldwide has markedly reduced. Dentists first try to save the damaged teeth, either through dental fillings or root canal treatment. Only once all the conservative approaches fail that they consider removing an infected tooth. So, you will require extraction of one of your teeth only if it cannot be saved. Besides, you may also require a dental extraction for other reasons, such as orthodontic treatment or removal of impacted wisdom teeth.
How Painful Is It To Have A Tooth Extraction?
Dental extraction is a surgical procedure. Therefore it can be painful. But there is no need to worry; your dentist will make you pain-free by administering local anaesthesia. The anaesthetic will numb the region around the damaged tooth socket so that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the extraction procedure.
Is Anaesthesia Used In Dental Extractions?
Yes, dentists use different types of anaesthesia during tooth extractions. Dentists typically use local anaesthesia for extractions. In this type of anaesthesia, your dentist will inject the anaesthetic around the damaged tooth. As a result, the tooth and its surrounding gums become numb. In some cases, where multiple tooth extractions have been planned in a single sitting, your dentist may consider general anaesthesia. This type of anaesthesia will put you to sleep and you won’t remember anything about your procedure.
Can An Extracted Tooth Be Placed Back In The Mouth?
Technically, it is possible to place an extracted tooth back into its socket. However, this replantation may not be successful. This is because teeth are mostly extracted when they are irreversibly infected and cannot be restored. So, if you reimplant a tooth back into its socket after extraction, it will most likely fail.
What Happens If An Impacted Wisdom Tooth Is Not Removed?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, a tooth is impacted when it fails to come out completely into the oral cavity. The most commonly impacted teeth are the wisdom teeth or the third molars.
It is not always necessary to extract an impacted tooth. Instead, impacted teeth only need to be removed if the soft tissues around them get inflamed frequently – a condition called pericoronitis. Otherwise, it is not necessary to remove impacted teeth that are not causing any problems or affecting the neighbouring teeth.
Do I Need A Dental Implant After Extraction?
Dental professionals recommend that missing teeth should be replaced as soon as possible after they are extracted. This is because missing teeth can make chewing and speech difficult. Moreover, the neighbouring teeth start to creep into the missing tooth’s space, creating spaces between them.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there is no better option than dental implants. However, you may also consider other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges for your missing teeth.
What Is A Tooth’s ‘Dry Socket’?
According to Healthline, a dry socket is a condition where a healthy blood clot fails to form inside a tooth socket after extraction. A healthy clot is essential after the tooth to ensure healthy bone formation around the socket. If that doesn’t happen, it results in a dry socket which is characterised by extreme pain and foul smell from the tooth socket. If you feel that you have a dry socket after an extraction, you should consult your dentist immediately for treatment.
What Are The Foods To Avoid After Tooth Extraction?
It is best to avoid hard, crunchy, and spicy foods for a week after tooth extraction. This is because these foods can irritate the surgical site and may affect healing. You should eat a soft diet for a few days, such as soup, boiled vegetables, yoghurt, and ice cream. Avoid hot drinks and foods as they dislodge the clot.
How Long Does It Take To Heal From A Tooth Extraction?
You will likely be back to your normal routine 48 – 72 hours after the extraction. However, it may take up to 3 or 4 weeks for complete healing to take place around the extracted tooth socket.
If you’re looking for the best oral surgeon in Rotherham for dental extractions, your best option is Fitzwilliam Dental Care. We have the best dentists in town to ensure that your tooth extraction procedure is performed in a pain-free and comfortable environment. So, request a free 30-minute consultation with our Treatment Care Coordinator today and let us take it from there!
