Home > Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery > Extractions
A dental extraction (or informally, tooth pulling) is the removal of teeth from the dental alveolus (socket) in the alveolar bone.
Reasons for tooth extraction can include:
- Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth.
- Teeth beyond repair either from tooth decay, root fracture, or trauma.
- Primary teeth that have failed to fall out, preventing the eruption of permanent teeth.
- Orthodontic treatment plans, which may require the removal of some teeth to reduce crowding and achieve the optimum result.
FAQ’s :
1. How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
The soft tissue will usually fully heal in about 3-4 weeks. When a patient has undergone a surgical extraction (in which a tooth that is still within the gums and jawbone is removed), the recovery process is a little longer.
2. What are the side effects of removing teeth?
Some side effects of tooth extraction include:
- a small amount of bleeding till 24 hours after the surgery.
- dry tooth socket or alveolar bone exposure.
- damage to nearby teeth.
- an incomplete extraction of the tooth.
- stiffness and soreness in the jaw due to the injections and keeping the mouth open for too long.
3. Is extraction of teeth painful?
Postponing the extraction can cause pain & infection. And if your wisdom teeth are the trouble, the only way to avoid discomfort is wisdom teeth removal. Once the tooth extraction is over, expect to experience some swelling and pain.
4. What are the first signs of a dry socket?
Signs and symptoms of dry socket may include:
- Severe pain within a few days after a tooth extraction.
- Partial or total loss of the blood clot at the tooth extraction site, which you may notice as an empty-looking (dry) socket.
- Visible bone in the socket.
5. Is it normal for other teeth to hurt after an extraction?
After Wisdom Tooth Removal. The removal of impacted wisdom teeth and surgical extraction of teeth is quite different from the extraction of erupted teeth. The following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal: … Your other teeth may ache temporarily.
6. How long does it take to feel better after oral surgery?
Swelling is usually completely gone within 7 to 10 days after oral surgery. Stiffness in the muscles of the face is also normal and may be noticed for up to 10 days after oral surgery.
7. Are antibiotics necessary after tooth extraction?
There is evidence that prophylactic antibiotics reduce the risk of infection, dry socket and pain following third molar extraction. Antibiotics may be prescribed to patients undergoing extractions to prevent complications due to infection.
8. Can you drink water after having a tooth pulled?
Water, juice, milk, are the best. Do not drink any carbonated beverages for at least 4 days following surgery. Please do not smoke cigarettes, use straws, or do any forcible spitting or rinsing for 72 hours after surgery. This can sometimes cause the blood clots that form to dislodge causing dry socket.
9. Can I drink coffee after oral surgery?
Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours after tooth extraction, avoid “sucking” actions (for example, don’t drink beverages through straws or smoke) and avoid hot liquids (such as coffee or soup). These activities can dislodge the clot, causing a dry socket.
10. How long do I keep gauze after tooth extraction?
Try to maintain constant pressure in intervals of 45-60 minutes, repeating as often as needed, or until bleeding lessens. Change the gauze as needed. Keep your head elevated and try to lower your activity level as much as possible. 48 hours after surgery, rinse mouth with warm salt water every 1-2 hours.
11. What are the signs of infection after tooth extraction?
Signs of an infection in the mouth include:
- Bad breath.
- Bitter taste in the mouth.
- Fever.
- Pain.
- Sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold.
- Swelling of the gum.
- Swollen glands of the neck.
- Swelling in the jaw.
12. How long does it take for the hole to close after a tooth extraction?
The soft tissue will usually fully heal in about 3-4 weeks. When a patient has undergone a surgical extraction (in which a tooth that is still within the gums and jawbone is removed), the recovery process is a little longer.
