Commonly known as “having a tooth pulled,” extractions are common and performed by both dentists and oral surgeons.
There are many reasons why teeth may need to be removed, from impacted wisdom teeth to decayed, infected molars to broken, irreparable teeth. When a tooth is no longer functional or has become too damaged to be restored, a dentist may decide extraction is the best option.
With today’s technology, extraction is a quick, relatively pain-free procedure. Dentists first numb the area, then remove the tooth and send the patient home with medication to prevent infection and mitigate pain. It is important patients follow the instructions upon discharge, which may include not smoking or drinking through a straw, changes in diet, rest, and a vigilant following of hygiene practices.
Though typically a blood clot will form quickly post-procedure, it is important to watch out for the blood clot becoming loose, causing a painful condition known as dry socket. Dry socket is not common but can develop without careful adhesion to the advice of dental professionals.
Furthermore, with immediate dentures, patients can have teeth extracted and still be able to return home the same day of the procedure with functional replacement teeth.
The healing process typically takes up to two weeks, and though new teeth will not grow back, new bone and gum tissue will fill in the gap. Dentists will often suggest dentures, implants, bridges, or some other solution to replace teeth lost by extraction, as gaps in teeth can cause remaining teeth to move, which can affect the appearance and function of the teeth and jaws. Most dentists advise against extraction without some sort of viable replacement for the extracted tooth or teeth.
Do you think you might be a candidate for dental extraction?
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