Oral health is vital to overall well-being. Sometimes, this means addition by subtraction and saying goodbye to a troublesome tooth. Despite their daunting reputation, dental extractions are routine procedures that go a long way in alleviating pain and preventing significant dental issues in the future.
Today, in this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the extraction process, reasons why dental extractions are necessary, proper aftercare, tooth replacement options, and the oddities that are wisdom teeth.
The Dental Extraction Process
The dental extraction process involves a series of specialized steps, equipment, and techniques to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Here is a breakdown of that process from start to finish:
- Evaluation – After assessing the tooth in question and x-rays, your dentist concludes that a tooth must be extracted.
- Anesthesia – On the day of the procedure, in order to minimize pain and discomfort, your dentist administers local anesthesia. In especially complex cases or in cases of extreme patient anxiety, full sedation may be suggested.
- Tooth removal – Using certain specialized tools and instruments, your dentist gently and gradually loosens the tooth in its socket until it can be removed. In some cases, like those of impacted wisdom teeth, the dentist may section the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal.
- Stitches – Upon completion of the extraction, your dentist will close the wound in the gum tissue with stitches. These may require subsequent removal or may be disposable and naturally disappear as your gums heal.
- Post-operative care – after the procedure, your dentist will provide you with post-op instructions, including dietary guidelines and tips for managing swelling and pain. At this point, they will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.
Why You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
Various dental issues can necessitate an extraction. The following symptoms are all possible signs that a person is suffering from one of these issues:
- Severe tooth decay that has advanced beyond the point of repair poses a threat to neighboring teeth.
- Advanced gum (or periodontal) disease that has created pockets of infection or caused a permanent tooth to loosen often calls for an extraction.
- Impacted third molars, or “wisdom teeth,” which typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, can cause severe pain, present the risk of infection, and cause overcrowding or misalignment among other teeth.
- Teeth that have sustained severe trauma or fractures and are beyond repair.
The Significance of Proper Extraction Aftercare
Reducing the risk of complications post-extraction is crucial. One major post-extraction risk is “dry socket,” which occurs when the blood clot that forms after extraction dissolves prematurely, exposing the underlying jawbone. Here are a few tips to minimize your risk:
- Be gentle – Avoid vigorous brushing, rinsing, and other physical contact with the extraction site for at least 24 hours.
- Good oral hygiene – You must still brush and floss after an extraction, though, once again, be gentle around the extraction site.
- Pain management – Take pain and anti-inflammatory medication as prescribed by your dentist.
- For a few days post-extraction, avoid hot and spicy foods and stick to a soft-food diet.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption for at least 48 hours after the procedure.
The Risks of Smoking After a Tooth Extraction
Smoking after a tooth extraction increases your risk of complications, including:
- Dry socket – Both the effects of sucking on a cigarette or cigar, as well as the decreased blood flow to the mouth that accompanies smoking, can hinder the formation of the blood clot needed for proper healing.
- Delayed healing – Both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products can impede healing and prolong the recovery process.
- Increased infection risk – Smoking compromises your immune system, increasing susceptibility to infection.
Tooth Replacement Options
If you’ve had a tooth extraction, you’re likely wondering about tooth replacement. Several options are available:
- Dental implants – The most durable and natural-looking option. Dental implants are artificial roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone and typically capped with a crown.
- Dental bridges – Bridges are prosthetic teeth that are anchored to adjacent teeth and bridge the gap left by extracted teeth.
- Dentures – Full or partial dentures are removable appliances that replace multiple teeth and restore your smile’s form and function.
The Curious Case of Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, often require extraction due to their frequent impaction or misalignment. Some people may have adequate space for these teeth. For others, however, they can have a profoundly negative on oral health, with symptoms including:
- Pain (in many cases quite severe)
- Swelling
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Overcrowding or shifting of adjacent teeth out of alignment
- Chronic bad breath
- A persistent foul taste in the mouth
If your wisdom teeth are causing any of these issues, your dentist will likely recommend extraction.
Dental Extraction in Midtown Manhattan
If you’re in Midtown East and suspect that you need a tooth extraction and want a top-notch oral healthcare team to guide you through the process, contact dentist Dr. Helma Philips and the Midtown NYC Dental team to schedule a consultation.