Dentists will do everything in their power to protect your teeth from extraction, as adult teeth are difficult to replace and of course, do not grow back. Certain factors, however, may force you to undergo a tooth extraction. Dental trauma such as an injury to the teeth or gums can create the need for an extraction. Tooth disease may kill the tooth and if it is too late for a root canal treatment, an extraction may have to occur. Alternatively, dental crowding may be the issue. This is common in cases of wisdom tooth extraction but can also happen with your other teeth. Recognising the symptoms of tooth decay is important and is one of the main reasons that dentists urge their patients to get regular checkups every 6-12 months. If you notice the signs, or you are worried about the possible need for a tooth extraction, immediately get in touch with your local family dentist, like Ipswich Family Dental Practice in Brassall and Ipswich.
A Simple Tooth Extraction
If your tooth is fully grown and above the gums, a simple extraction is all that will be required. This basically breaks down into two main steps:
- The tooth is loosened with an instrument called the elevator
- The tooth is removed with extraction forceps
The aftercare will be the same as the surgical extraction.
A Surgical Tooth Extraction
If the tooth has not yet erupted from the mouth, as is common with wisdom tooth extractions, or the tooth broke at the gum line, then a surgical extraction is needed. In a surgical extraction, the steps are as follows:
- The tooth area is numbed with an anaesthetic
- A small incision is made in the gums
- Dental elevators are used to separate the tooth from the socket and ligament
- Extraction forceps are then used to remove the tooth
- Infected tissue or pathological tissue is removed
- The socket is compressed
- The sharp bone edges are rounded off
- The socket is washed out to remove any loose fragments or bone
- Gauze is applied for the bleeding
- Stitching may be required at the gum site
- Pressure will need to be applied to the site with gauze, to control bleeding, for up to an hour
Book an Appointment with Ipswich Family Dental
You will usually need a few days to recover after a tooth extraction occurs. This process will include rest, pain killers and a limited diet for several days. To receive the correct advice on tooth extraction, whether it is needed and how to look after yourself following the procedure, ensure that you see a dentist you can trust.
Here at Ipswich Family Dental Practice, we pride ourselves on being a caring and informative dental practice for the whole family. Book an appointment online with us today and we can schedule in a dental check-up.
