Simple Extraction Steps
Tooth extraction in dentistry occurs when therapeutic measures have proven ineffective. However, it's important to remember that the primary goal of all dentists is to save the tooth, and extraction is a last resort.
Tooth extraction surgery can be simple or complex (involving a gum incision), and its duration can range from a few minutes to an hour. Furthermore, tooth extraction in children and adults, as well as in people with certain medical conditions, may have certain unique characteristics and nuances. On average, the procedure takes approximately 30-40 minutes and includes the following steps.
Stages of tooth extraction
- Medical history. During this first step, the dentist determines whether the patient has any medical conditions or allergies to medications. This allows the dentist to select the optimal anesthesia option for the patient.
- The dentist administers an anesthetic to the patient, typically using a cartridge. Its effect can last from 40 minutes to several hours.
- Using a special instrument, the gum is peeled away from the tooth—this approach avoids soft tissue injury during the extraction process.
- Tooth wiggling. At this stage, the dentist places the forceps on the part of the tooth above the bone and, squeezing the handles tightly, begins to wiggle it. This requires some physical effort and is necessary to break the ligaments that attach the tooth to the bone.
- Tooth extraction. As a result of the previous step, the tooth becomes mobile and can be removed from the socket. After this, the socket must be inspected and any bone fragments removed.
- Socket treatment. If the surgery was performed during a purulent inflammation, the socket should first be rinsed with an antiseptic and then treated with an anti-inflammatory medication. Sutures are sometimes used to quickly heal the gums and prevent complications.
After the extraction, the patient must follow all the dentist’s recommendations and take the prescribed medications. If the socket begins to feel significant discomfort within 24 hours after the procedure, be sure to consult a dentist, as any discomfort may be a symptom of a complication called alveolitis.
The healing and recovery process
Gum healing after tooth extraction occurs within a week, but everything depends on the individual characteristics of the person's body.
We recommend following the important guidelines during the postoperative period:
- Do not eat for 2-3 hours after surgery.
- Do not rinse, clean, or warm the hole.
- Do not rinse or use lotions during the first 24 hours after tooth extraction.
- Chew food on the opposite side.
Also, during the recovery period, symptoms that are considered normal may appear - these include pain in the mouth, the appearance of small amounts of blood, a slight increase in temperature, and the appearance of slight swelling or edema. But if you notice pus in the area of the socket of the extracted tooth, accompanied by a high temperature and prolonged bleeding with pain and swelling, then immediately contact your dentist.
In Conclusion
A simple tooth extraction is generally quick and, because of anesthesia, relatively pain-free. It might seem scary if you know you need to have a tooth extracted, but contact us today; we will consult with you on how best to move forward with making your smile beautiful and healthy!