1. Reasons to Extract
Pulling teeth can solve many problems in your mouth. Damage resulting from decay or fracture is one of the most common reasons for an extraction. A baby tooth that dies may require extraction, and then a metal spacer maintains the space until the adult tooth grows in. Sometimes you have too many teeth and they block new teeth from growing. Wisdom teeth may fail to come in completely or emerge only partially, causing irritation, pain and inflammation. Finally, people undergoing medical procedures, such as chemotherapy or organ transplant, may need to have teeth extracted to prevent infections.
2. Get to the Root of the Problem
Radiographic pictures or x-rays, taken prior to the procedure, allow the dentist to lay out the best plan. Dentists take panoramic x-rays prior to removing wisdom teeth. This is a more complex radiographic view, which allows your dentist to see where your wisdom teeth are located with respect to your other teeth, your sinuses and nerves. Your dentist may ask you to take an antibiotic prior to extraction. Dentists use this measure to prevent infection in people with weakened immune systems or heart conditions.
3. In and Out
On the day of the procedure, you'll receive a local anesthetic. A doctor may administer laughing gas, if you're at increased risk for becoming significantly anxious. The dentist also may opt to do the procedure under general anesthesia if the patient is a young child. Once the dentist determines that you have no sensation in the area, he'll use forceps to loosen the tooth from the socket. The procedure is relatively quick.
4. More Serious Impact
Partially or fully impacted teeth aren't visible above the gum line. This condition is most common with wisdom teeth and requires a more complicated tooth extraction process. A dentist might remove impacted teeth. However, deeply impacted teeth require an oral surgeon who extracts while you're under general anesthesia. There's usually more swelling, a longer recovery and a higher chance of complications with surgery.
5. Dry Socket
Inflammation and bleeding are common after an extraction. You'll need to bite down on some gauze for a period following extraction. This helps the area to form a clot and stops the bleeding. In the days following extraction, refrain from smoking, spitting or vigorously rinsing your mouth. These activities put you at increased risk for dry socket, which is a condition that occurs when the blood clot dislodges from the area around the tooth extraction. Women who take birth control pills are at increased risk for developing dry socket; it's best to schedule extractions at a point during the menstrual cycle when estrogen is at its lowest. If dry socket occurs, contact your dentist. Specialized dressings, flushing of the socket and pain medication alleviates symptoms.
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