Tooth extraction is a nightmare for people who are scared of needles and injections. Tooth extraction is common service in adults as it can be done due to a number of reasons. Some of the common reasons are:
- A tooth that is damaged because of trauma or decay.
- A tooth is extracted in case of a crowded mouth, which means that there is not enough space to align the teeth. It happens mostly in cases where people require braces.
- An infected tooth is also removed in case root canal cannot be done. It is done mainly to prevent the infection from spreading in the mouth.
The Process of Extraction
Tooth extraction is performed by dentists and oral surgeons. Many people who are scared of getting their tooth extracted should be aware of the process as it will help them get rid of their fear. Tooth extraction is done after dentists examine the area that requires extraction. They numb the area through local anesthesia or in some cases they often use general anesthesia that makes the patient sleep through the process of tooth extraction. It varies from person to person.
In some cases, the tooth is extremely hard to remove, therefore; the dentist might remove it in parts. If the tooth is damaged or impacted by any trauma or decay then the dentist is likely to cut the gum and bone tissue surrounding the tooth in order to extract it.
Types of Tooth Extraction
Dentist or an oral surgeon will assess the condition of your tooth that needs to be extracted. They might perform either of the two types of extraction.
- A simple extraction
The dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the surroundings of the tooth. They will use elevators to loosen the tooth and then forceps would be used to remove it. The process is not long enough as compared to surgical tooth extraction.
- A surgical extraction
One of the complex and difficult procedure to extract the tooth is surgical extraction. They are mostly performed by oral surgeons as it is quite intricate and complex. The oral surgeon is likely to make a small cut near the gum or in the bone. It depends on how hard it is to extract the tooth. In some cases, they might extract it in pieces rather than taking the whole tooth out all at once.
Precautionary Measures after Tooth Extraction
Dentists prescribe precautionary measures that should be taken after tooth extraction. In case of a simple extraction, they might prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers. However, in case of surgical extraction, the doctor might ask the patient to keep gauze in that area and apply pressure with the teeth in order to clot the blood. A small amount of bleeding might happen but that too in rare cases.
Soft foods should be consumed till the area heals properly and you feel comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the charges of tooth extraction?
The charges of tooth extraction will vary from £60 – £240 Depends of type of tooth.
- Can I drive back home after extraction?
Many people often wonder whether they can drive back home or not after an extraction is carried out. People can resume their normal daily activities after an extraction. However, it is advised that driving should be done by someone else.
- Does it hurt after a tooth extraction?
People might not feel pain immediately after a tooth extraction is done. However, when anesthesia starts to wear off, it might start to hurt.
- How long will it take for the blood clot to heal properly?
The blood clot often forms after surgical extraction. It might take 8-10 days for a blood clot to heal properly.
- How long does anesthesia last?
Local anesthesia will last for a period of 2-3 hours and general anesthesia might last for a little longer. It also depends on how strong the anesthesia is.