Extraction 

Why must I extract my tooth  ?

Sometimes teeth must be extracted due to an advanced stage of decay that makes restoration of the tooth impossible, a disease of the bone tissue supporting the tooth or dental trauma.

Tooth extraction will either be simple or surgical, depending on whether your tooth is visible, deteriorated or traumatized.

What is a Simple extraction ?

After applying a local anesthetic, which numbs the area around the tooth the patient will feel only pressure, without pain, during the procedure. Then the dentist uses specific instruments to loosen the tooth and remove it.

What is a Surgical extraction ?

The patient receives local anesthetic then the dentist will make a little incision to have a simple access to the tooth. The dentist may need to remove bone around the tooth or separate the roots of the tooth for an easier extraction and avoid complications.

Why do I hear that people should extract their wisdom teeth ?

Actually the wisdom teeth may not need to be removed if they are healthy(with no decay), fully erupted and able to be cleaned properly.

Sometimes, wisdom teeth don’t have room to emerge normally and can cause dental problems.

Food and bacteria can get trammed around the edge of the wisdom teeth causing a build-up of plaque which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, oral infection and damage nearby teeth.

But if the wisdom teeth aren’t causing any problem there is no need to be removed.

Dose it hurt after an extraction ?

After the extraction it’s normal to feel some discomfort or pain. Normally the painkillers help to reduce these symptoms.

If your discomfort/pain doesn’t disapear in  2 or 3 days folowing the extraction or worsen several day later you have to avoid the sefl medication and get in touch with your dentist so he can manage the situation in the right  way.

What should I do after getting my tooth extracted ?

There are a few tips you have to follow after a tooth extraction:

• Leave the gause pad in place at least 30 minutes after the extraction.
• Apply an ice bag on the cheek to avoid the swellin but only for 10 minutes at a time and don’t put it directly on your face this may lead to ice burn.
• Rest for 24 hours following the extraction (limited activity).
• Don’t rinse, spit or use a straw for 24 hours after the extraction to avoid dislodging the blood clot.
• Avoid smoking.
• Continue brushing and flossing the teeth except the extraction aera.

 

Dr Ibtissame BOUBKAR