What is tooth extraction?
Removal of the problem causing tooth out of its tooth socket using specialised instruments by a qualified dentist is called extraction of tooth.
There was once a time when going to the dentist synonymous with tooth removal. A visit to a dentist meant tooth removal. Gone are those days …!! Now there are so many treatment options to save the damaged teeth instead of simply removing them from the mouth. Development intechnology as well as dental sciences has made it possible to make every effort to restore and retain the tooth to its last resort.But nevertheless it depends on what stage of the tooth decay the patient comes to the dentist.
Which teeth have to be extracted?
- Severely mobile teeth
- Painful wisdom teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Grossly destructed teeth
- Only root stumps remaining
- For orthodontic purpose
- Retained deciduous teeth in adults
- Patient not willing for root canal treatment
Who can get their teeth extracted?
Any person whom the dentist has advised teeth removal can get it done. Medically compromised people who have diabetes, hypertension,hypo/hyperthyroidism, cardiac disease or any other medical conditions should honestly reveal it with the dentist and upon dentist’s request if needed get their physician’s consent for the tooth removal.
What is the procedure of extraction?
An appointment preferably in the morning is given for the removal of the proposed tooth. Patient has to have had a solid breakfast at least one hour prior to the scheduled appointment time. The vital signs like pulse,oxygen saturation level in the blood,blood pressure are all monitored and confirmed that they are within normal permissible limits. Then a local anaesthetic injection is given to numb the area in and around the tooth to be removed. After taking the patient into confidence and confirming the numbness in the tooth area the dentist proceeds with the procedure of tooth removal with suitable sterilised instruments.After the tooth is removed the socket is thoroughly cleaned and closed with a medication inside that helps in better healing. Sutures are placed if required that will be removed after 7-10 days. Appropriate antibiotics and analgesics to subside pain if any are given.Post extraction instructions are given orally and in text which have to be strictly followed.
