So, looking back on my childhood years there’s something that left a watermark on me, and that was my encounter with my orthodontist.
This is my story. I was young, say about 14 or 15 years old, and I was told I would have to see the dentist.
Now, for a young girl in school like me, going to the dentist seemed like a terrifying task.
The doctor checked me up; he did an oral examination, and I was told that I needed braces.
Also, my four teeth need to be removed. These new terms seemed exciting to me after a while or so, and the thought of losing teeth didn’t seem so daunting after all.
The doctor then explained to me that in order for him to carry out the procedure properly, he needed more room in my mouth to do the treatment successfully.
Now, many years later, I am the same person talking all about tooth extractions, today! So, let’s dive right in.
What is tooth removal? Why do we do it?
These are common questions arising often in everyone’s minds. Let me explain this to you. Extraction is a procedure that involves the removal of the tooth, in a painless way, so that the tissues investing in the teeth remain unharmed.
Your tooth is removed using forceps and elevators and under a local anesthetic agent so that you don’t feel any pain!
When do you need to get your tooth extracted?
Your tooth may be extracted for any of the following reasons:
- A severely decayed tooth
- A fractured tooth
- An impacted tooth
- Severe gum disease
- Tooth luxation or other dental injuries
The above figure shows the Indications for tooth extraction (from the upper left):
- Fractured teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Severe gum disease
- Impacted deciduous teeth
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- For orthodontic treatment
The procedure: what is actually done?
Your dentist will determine whether you are a candidate for a simple tooth extraction.
He will confirm that the tooth to be extracted has straight roots and enough solid structure above the gums to be grasped and manipulated.
He will also review your health history and ask you to refrain from using blood-thinning medications temporarily on the days surrounding the extraction procedure.
Once he has determined that simple tooth extraction is appropriate, your dentist will:
Administer an Aesthetic
In order to ensure that the procedure is smooth and comfortable, your dentist will inject a local anesthetic into the immediate area around the tooth.
He may choose to apply a topical anesthetic gel prior to the injection in order to further minimize any discomfort caused by the injection itself.
Release Periodontal ligament fibers
Regardless of the condition of the tooth intended for extraction, periodontal ligament fibers must be released that suspend the tooth from the bony socket in order for it to be successfully extracted from the mouth.
Loosen and elevate the tooth
A special dental tool called an elevator is used to make the loose tooth even looser.
This works because the bony housing around the tooth is pliable, and the elevator essentially enlarges the socket just enough to allow the tooth to be removed.
Deliver the tooth from the mouth
Using forceps, the dentist will grasp the loosened tooth and remove it from the mouth.
Perform ridge preservation where necessary
In many cases, your dentist will recommend that you replace the extracted tooth as soon as possible.
Where this has been decided upon, your dentist may immediately follow a simple tooth extraction procedure with ridge preservation via socket graft procedure.
This consists of placing bone graft material in the newly emptied tooth socket in order to slow the bone reabsorption process.
This can help to ensure that the bony ridge remains at the same height and width and will therefore be better able to support the replacement tooth.
When this procedure does not occur immediately after simple tooth extraction, the bony ridge immediately begins to deteriorate, which can affect the success of future tooth replacement.
Minimize bleeding
While there are no major arteries in tooth sockets, simple tooth extraction can still result in bleeding.
Your dentist will apply pressure to the tooth socket in order to minimize this bleeding.
The dentist will give you post-operative instructions
Depending upon your specific dental and medical situation, your dentist will give you post-operative instructions to help you recover smoothly and comfortably from simple tooth extraction. This is the best time to discuss with your dentist questions or concerns you may have.
Benefits of Simple Tooth Extraction
Where simple tooth extraction is deemed appropriate, there can be many benefits from having the procedure performed.
If the tooth is infected, its removal obviously eliminates the source of the infection, and it also eliminates any pain and swelling that resulted from the infection.
If the tooth is being removed because of overcrowding, its removal will allow the remaining teeth to straighten and align properly, either on their own or with the help of orthodontic procedures and devices.
So, it's seen that all these factors will lead to dental extraction!
Now, no one wants to lose teeth but if proper care is not taken, it will have to be done!
This was a small overview of simple tooth extraction; I hope you enjoyed my little story and I urge you to consider your oral health with more care!
It is with us and in our hands to save what we already have and after all, prevention is better than cure!
So, bottom line, keep smiling, take care of your health, and stay healthy!
Have a great dentist visit!
Thank you!!!!