Tooth extraction
Tooth extraction is a procedure to remove a tooth, it can be just one tooth or even more.
This procedure is carried out by a dental surgeon using complete medical tools and equipment.
This procedure requires local, general, or sedation anesthesia, depending on the condition.
As with any minor surgery, a careful medical evaluation is necessary before the procedure.
This procedure also takes into account how to minimize pain for safety.
Purpose of Tooth Extraction
Dentists strive to protect natural teeth whenever possible.
However, if the tooth cannot be restored and is severely damaged, then extraction is necessary.
Some indications and purposes of this procedure:
- Severe tooth decay, including cavities.
- Broken tooth.
- Impacted teeth
- Crowded teeth.
- Severe gum disease.
- Have a tooth injury or other dental injury.
Benefits of Tooth Extraction
There are several benefits that you can get from this procedure, namely:
1. Teeth alignment
Tooth extraction can be useful to align teeth properly.
Inappropriate tooth sizes or excess teeth can be resolved in this way.
The dentist will determine the appropriate action to make your teeth neater.
2. Prevent infection
A person who experiences tooth decay is at risk of experiencing bacterial growth in the mouth, making them susceptible to infection.
This problem can be fixed with root canal therapy and antibiotics. If it is not possible, this procedure needs to be done.
When Should You Have a Tooth Extraction?
This procedure is generally necessary for you to undergo when the dentist decides to do it.
This procedure can help in determining the cause and creating a treatment plan so that the problem can be resolved.
After tooth extraction is complete, contact a doctor immediately if you have a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or more.
In addition, some other problems that require contacting a doctor include drainage around the extraction site or experiencing severe pain even after taking medication.
Warnings before Tooth Extraction
There are several conditions that make it necessary to postpone the extraction procedure or make it impossible for you to do it, namely:
- Experiencing fever, nausea, or vomiting.
- Are in the first or third trimester of pregnancy.
- Having a fractured jaw.
- Have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, or other uncontrolled chronic diseases.
- There is an infection in the gums.
- The tooth is in an area that has been exposed to radiotherapy.
- Teeth close to malignant tumor tissue.
Tell your dentist if you are being treated for another medical condition with intravenous medications called bisphosphonates.
If so, the extraction must be performed before the medication is administered, or your jaw may be at risk of osteonecrosis (bone death).
In addition, there are also several medical conditions that you need to inform your doctor about if you are going to have a tooth extraction, namely:
- Heart problems, such as congenital heart disease.
- Disorders or diseases of the thyroid gland.
- Liver disease.
- Kidney disorders.
- Weak immune system, for example, due to HIV.
- History of endocarditis due to bacterial infection.
You also need to tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, including supplements, vitamins, and herbal products.
Because this procedure needs to be done with caution if you are using certain medications.
In addition, you also need to be careful if you want to undergo this procedure while fasting.
Preparation before tooth extraction
Before the procedure, the doctor will usually perform various examinations. Not only a direct physical examination of the teeth but also dental x-rays, if necessary.
In some cases, you may also need to undergo a panoramic examination.
If you are wondering whether a panoramic examination is necessary before tooth extraction, read the explanation in this article.
You should not smoke before having your teeth extracted. Then, for 6-8 hours before the procedure, you usually also need to fast.
If the procedure you are undergoing is surgery or an operation, it is important to invite family or relatives who can accompany you.
Because you are not allowed to drive your own vehicle after the surgical procedure.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
In general, the following are the stages in the procedure:
1. Administration of anesthesia
After that, the doctor will give local anesthesia to numb the area, then the medical expert will perform the extraction or pulling afterward. The teeth that the doctor pulls can be one or even more.
2. Cutting the gums or bone area
If the tooth is hidden under gum tissue or bone, the dentist will need to cut through the gum or bone area that is blocking it.
Pain should not be felt due to the anesthesia, but pressure on the teeth may be felt.
You may only hear the sound of bones or teeth rubbing and cracking.
If you feel pain, be sure to tell your doctor immediately to give you more anesthetic.
3. Sewing
After extraction, stitches or additional procedures to control bleeding may be necessary.
The doctor will place a thick layer of gauze over the tooth area, and you will need to bite down on it so the blood can be absorbed and clot.
After Tooth Extraction
After a simple tooth extraction, you can go home immediately after the procedure.
Recovery generally only takes a few days.
Some treatments you can do to help the recovery process are:
- Bite on the gauze attached to the gums for 3-4 hours.
- Cold compress on the cheek area, for 10 minutes.
- Take the pain reliever your doctor prescribes.
- Eat only soft foods for up to 1 week after the procedure.
- Avoid using the affected side of your mouth to chew food.
- Do not gargle or spit too vigorously for 24 hours after the procedure.
- Do not smoke.
- Rest for 24 hours after the procedure and do not do any heavy activities.
- Use a pillow to support your head when lying down.
Side Effects of Tooth Extraction
After the procedure, there is a risk of pain in the tooth area. In some cases, dry socket, or severe pain due to inflammation of the jawbone after the procedure, can also occur.
Pain after tooth extraction can occur 1-3 days after the procedure. How long the pain will last depends on each individual’s condition.
However, pain after the procedure is generally mild and lasts about 7-10 days.
You can take painkillers to reduce pain or soreness during this period.
However, it is important to contact a doctor if the pain does not go away in high intensity.
In addition, the risk of other side effects that can also occur include:
- Bleeding that lasts more than 12 hours.
- Severe fever and chills, indicating infection.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Cough.
- Chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Swelling and redness at the surgical site.
Places to Perform Tooth Extraction
This procedure can be done in a hospital or dental clinic. Try to find a certified place with experienced doctors.
Of course, this can reduce your worries regarding the various negative impacts that can occur during or after your surgery.
