Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction & Removal

If a tooth has been severely broken or damaged by decay, your dentist will try to fix it with a filling, crown, or other dental treatment. But when there is too much damage for the tooth to be repaired, the tooth must be extracted or safely removed from its socket in the bone.

Pre-Operative Instructions

  • Medical Clearance: Blood sugar, blood pressure & thyroid levels should be under control prior to surgery. Always consult your physician.
  • Medication: Start taking prescribed medications 2 days prior to the date of surgery, or exactly as instructed by the doctor.
  • Diet: Patients should have a heavy breakfast or meal 1 hour prior to coming in for the extraction.
  • Habits: Avoid smoking, alcohol consumption, tobacco chewing, or use of mishri 48 hours prior to surgery.
  • Accompaniment: The patient should be accompanied by a close friend or relative on the day of the surgery.
  • Cosmetics: Kindly refrain from using any kind of makeup or cosmetics on the day of surgery to maintain a sterile environment.
  • Arrival: Please be present in the clinic premises 15-20 minutes before the surgery time to relax and avoid anxiety.

Post-Operative Do’s & Don’ts

  • Bite Firmly: Keep firm pressure on the gauze pad placed over the surgical site for 45-60 minutes to stop bleeding and form a clot.
  • No Spitting or Rinsing: Do not spit, rinse vigorously, or use a straw for 24 hours. This can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful "dry socket".
  • Food & Drink: Avoid eating until the local anesthesia wears off completely to avoid biting your lip or tongue. Stick to soft, cold, or room-temperature foods for the first 24-48 hours.
  • Avoid Irritants: Do not eat hot, spicy, hard, fried, or crunchy foods for at least 2-3 days.
  • Habits: Strictly avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 72 hours post-extraction.
  • Swelling Control: Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face (15 mins on, 15 mins off) during the first 24 hours to minimize swelling.
  • Oral Hygiene: After 24 hours, you may begin to gently rinse with warm salt water 2-3 times a day.
  • Medication: Take all prescribed painkillers and antibiotics strictly as directed by your dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we extract a tooth?

- Some people have extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in.
- Sometimes baby teeth don't fall out in time to allow the permanent teeth to come in.
- People getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for the teeth that are being moved into place.
- People receiving radiation to the head and neck may need to have teeth in the field of radiation extracted.
- People receiving cancer drugs may develop infected teeth because these drugs weaken the immune system. Infected teeth may need to be extracted.

Why do we need to disclose past medical history?

For a better understanding of your current health status and to cross-check drugs and medication interactions. Many procedures are contraindicated in various medical conditions and some need the stoppage of previous medication. It's always better to take your doctor's advice before any dental procedures.

Is tooth extraction painful?

It is not a painful treatment during the procedure because of profound local anesthesia. Post-operative pain is minimal if you follow all advice given by your doctors (eat soft foods, take medicines on time, and stop bad habits).

How much time is needed for a single tooth extraction?

On average it takes 30 mins but may require longer, up to 45 mins to an hour, if the tooth is severely broken or has retained root pieces. Your doctor will advise you accordingly.

Will it pain after the extraction is completed? For how much time?

Usually, after the effect of anesthesia wears off, some patients feel mild discomfort or throbbing after a few hours. However, if you take the proper medication prescribed by your doctor before the numbness fades, the transition is very manageable.

How much time is needed to heal the socket after extraction?

As per studies, it takes 7 to 21 days for the initial healing of the soft tissue over an extraction socket. The bone underneath takes several months to completely fill in. We, as patients, need to take care of the socket as advised by our dentist and avoid touching it directly.

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