If a dentist has recommended a tooth extraction surgery and you are looking for more information, here’s where you will find answers to all your questions about tooth extraction surgery.
What is Tooth Extraction Surgery?
Tooth extraction surgery is a dental procedure wherein a tooth is removed right from the dental alveolus or socket. It is mostly performed by an oral surgeon. However, general dentists and periodontists also conduct tooth extraction procedures as part of their core skills as dental providers.
There are two types of tooth extractions:
1. Simple Extractions: A simple extraction is usually performed on teeth that are visible and fully erupted. The procedure is conducted under local anaesthesia. To elaborate further, the jaw is first made numb with local anaesthesia and then the tooth is extracted. You may or may not need sutures and there is minimal to no pain during the extraction.
2. Surgical Extractions: A surgical tooth extraction procedure is performed when the tooth cannot be easily accessed by the dentist. It is performed when the tooth has not fully erupted or when the tooth breaks under the gumline. In this procedure, the dentist makes an incision and lifts the soft gum tissues covering the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may be split into multiple pieces to facilitate easy removal. Surgical extractions are usually performed under general anaesthesia.
There are two types of teeth: milk teeth and permanent teeth. Milk teeth eventually fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth. Even though permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, there are certain reasons why it might need to be extracted.
1) Severe Decay: This happens when tooth decay reaches the centre of the tooth, which is the pulp. The bacteria produced by the decay can erode the pulp and cause an infection. In which case, a root canal procedure may help treat the infection. However, if the infection is severe, extraction may be performed to prevent it from spreading further.
2) To Eliminate Overcrowding: Sometimes, dentists pull teeth to prepare the mouth for teeth straightening or orthodontia. The goal of orthodontia is to properly align the teeth, which may not be possible if your teeth are too big for your jaw. Likewise, if a tooth cannot break through the gum (erupt) because there is no room in the mouth for it, your dentist may recommend pulling it.
3) Necessary After An Accident: When a major accident happens and the patient requires dental treatment, the first option is always to preserve the teeth. Dental bonding, crowns, bridges or veneers may be recommended. However, if the dental issue is dreadful, tooth extraction surgery may be required. Our dentists provide top-notch implants that match your existing teeth so you could flash your beautiful smile without worrying about the appearance of your teeth.
4) Inflamed Gums: Oral health isn’t just limited to teeth. When wisdom teeth erupt at an angle to the other teeth, or horizontally, they can cause the gums to swell and make them hard to clean. These reddish areas along the gum line often feel sore to the touch, preventing proper brushing and flossing, eventually leading to cavities and tooth decay.
5) Damage To Nearby Teeth: Because your permanent teeth are already positioned, an extra pair of molars cause pain, bite problems, and overcrowding, making it difficult to brush and floss effectively and eventually lead to cavities or tooth decay. If treatment is delayed, you may also need to undergo additional procedures to straighten impacted neighbouring teeth.
6) Damage To The Jaw: Like all teeth, wisdom teeth erupt from the jaws and through the gums, but this isn’t always the case, especially when there’s no space left around the other teeth. Some wisdom teeth grow impacted within the jaw, shifting the other teeth and even the jawline. This can limit the opening of the mouth and cause pain when doing so.
Aftercare Post-Extraction: Following the extraction, your dentist will send you home to recover. Recovery typically takes about a week. The following can help minimize discomfort, reduce the risk of infection, and speed recovery.
Take medicines as prescribed.
Bite firmly but gently on the gauze pad placed by your dentist to reduce bleeding and allow a clot to form in the tooth socket.
Apply an ice bag to the affected area immediately after the procedure to keep down swelling. Apply ice for 10 minutes at a time.
Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully for 24 hours after the extraction to avoid dislodging the clot that forms in the socket.
After 24 hours, rinse with your mouth with a solution made of 1/2 teaspoon salt and 8 ounces of warm water.
Do not drink from a straw for the first 24 hours.
Do not smoke.
Eat soft foods.
When lying down, prop your head with pillows. Lying flat may prolong bleeding.
Continue to brush and floss your teeth, and brush your tongue, but be sure to avoid the extraction site. Doing so will help prevent infection.
Recovery Time: Recovery time and healing differ for everyone, but now, you should be better prepared for what you can expect after your procedure. With an experienced dental professional and some good self-care, you can expect to recover in a week. You might experience some bleeding for up to 24 hours after your extraction, and you should not do anything to disturb the blood clot that forms in the socket where your tooth used to be.
For most people, the pain tends to decrease after the third day. After about a week to ten days, granulation tissue forms. This new tissue will protect the extraction site until the bone can form there.
Tooth Extraction Surgery Costs in Mumbai:
Surgical extraction cost in Mumbai, India is determined by the complexity of the surgery and the treatments required. Contact our team of experts to find out the estimated cost of your teeth extraction.
If you are in Mumbai, you can book an appointment with “Signature Smiles” and get a checkup scheduled to find out the best possible treatment from our team of experienced dentists, or book an online consultation for surgical tooth extraction in Mumbai and plan your dental treatment with us.
