Extractions
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.Extraction as a treatment!
in the following circumstances extraction will be considered to be the only choice of treatment:Sever periodontal disease:(Gum disease)
Advance gum disease in one of the most common reason for losing s tooth
Sever Structural damage:
Extraction may be used to remove teeth that are so badly decayed or broken that they cannot be restored.Malposition:
Teeth are often removed because they are impacted. Teeth become impacted when they are prevented from growing into their normal position in the mouth by gum tissue, bone, or other teeth. Impaction is a common reason for the extraction of wisdom teeth. Extraction is the only known method that will prevent further problems. Teeth may also be extracted to make more room in the mouth prior to straightening the remaining teeth (orthodontic treatment)or because they are so badly positioned that straightening is impossible.Ecomomic:
In some cases , patients choose extraction as a less expensive alternative to filling or placing a crown on a severely decayed but treatable tooth.Precautions
In some situations, tooth extractions may need to be postponed temporarily. These situations include:- Infection that has progressed from the tooth into the bone. Infections may make anesthesia difficult. They can be treated with antibiotics before the tooth is extracted.
- Patient taking blood thinner : medications like warfarin (Coumadin) and aspirin are consider blood thinner (anticoagulants). under his/her family physician patient should stop using these medications for three days prior to extraction.
- Patients who have had any of the following procedures in the last six months: heart valve replacement, open heart surgery, prosthetic joint replacement, or placement of a medical shunt. These patients may be given antibiotics to reduce the risk of bacterial infection.
Aftercare
An important aspect of aftercare is encouraging a clot to form at the extraction site. The patient should put pressure on the area by biting gently on a roll or wad of gauze for several hours after surgery. Once the clot is formed, it should not be disturbed. The patient should not rinse, spit, drink with a straw, or smoke for at least 24 hours after the extraction and preferably longer. Vigorous exercise should not be done for the first few days.For the first two days after the procedure, the patient should drink liquids without using a straw, and eat soft foods. Any chewing must be done on the side away from the extraction site. Hard or sticky foods should be avoided. The mouth may be gently cleaned with a toothbrush, but the extraction area should not be scrubbed.
Wrapped ice packs can be applied to reduce facial swelling. Swelling is a normal part of the healing process. It is most noticeable in the first 48-72 hours. As the swelling subsides, the patient may experience muscle stiffness. Moist heat and gentle exercise will restore jaw movement. The dentist may prescribe medications to relieve the postoperative pain.
Risks
Potential complications of tooth extraction include postoperative infection, temporary numbness from nerve irritation, jaw fracture, and jaw joint pain. An additional complication is called dry socket. When a blood clot does not properly form in the empty tooth socket, the bone beneath the socket is painfully exposed to air and food, and the extraction site heals more slowly.