Table of contents
- 1. How are teeth attached to the jawbone?
- 2. Reasons for tooth extraction
- 3. Risks and complications of tooth extraction
- 4. What is the tooth extraction procedure like?
- 5. What should be followed after tooth extraction?
- 6. Measures to handle complications
- 7. How long does it take for a tooth extraction to heal?
- 8. How does Sakura Dental perform tooth extraction in the safest, easiest (and painless) way for you?
Tooth extraction is a standard dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It is usually performed when a tooth is damaged beyond repair or is causing complications to the surrounding teeth and gums. Tooth extraction may also be necessary for orthodontic treatment or to prevent the spread of infection. We will look at the different aspects of tooth extraction.
1. How are teeth attached to the jawbone?
Teeth are not actually attached directly to the jaw bone. There is a very small gap between the tooth and the alveolar bone. This gap is connected by ligaments, also known as Sharpey's fibers, which connect the tooth to the alveolar bone.
Why are incisors easier to extract? Incisors have only one root. They are not as firmly anchored to the jawbone as molars (and have two or three roots). Therefore, molars are often more difficult to extract than incisors.
2. Reasons for tooth extraction
A tooth must be extracted if it cannot be treated, restored or is of no value for conservation. There will be cases where there are clear reasons for extraction (absolute indications) and reasons where extraction is recommended but not necessarily necessary (relative indications).
For example: Severe tooth mobility, bone and gum defects (absolute indications); insufficient space for orthodontic treatment (relative indications).
After a detailed examination and X-rays, the dentist can assess which teeth need to be extracted.
3. Risks and complications of tooth extraction
Before having a tooth extracted, you, as a customer, should know the complications and risks. Your dentist at Sakura will explain this to you in more detail.
3.1. Specific and special risks and complications associated with tooth extraction
3.1.1. General risks:
- Painful
- congestion
- Vascular damage, bleeding
- Swelling
- Inflammation
3.1.2. Special risks:
- Maxillary sinus
- Mandibular nerve injury
- Damage to adjacent teeth
3.2. Other complications of tooth extraction
Like any surgical procedure, tooth extraction can lead to complications, such as a broken root. If the root is broken, your dentist may have to expose the root a little bit to remove the tooth.
3.2.1. Bone-bonded teeth
In this case, the ligament surrounding the tooth is destroyed, often found in teeth that have had root canal treatment for a long time, so tooth extraction will be more difficult.
3.2.2. Abnormal tooth root formation
Abnormally formed roots make extraction difficult, especially molars which sometimes have very crooked roots. The dentist must separate the molar root to treat it separately from the tooth to be extracted.
3.2.3. Dislocation
If tooth extraction takes longer, temporomandibular joint dislocation may occur.
See also: Questions about permanent tooth extraction
4. What is the tooth extraction procedure like?
Step 1: Anesthesia. Tooth extractions are usually performed using anesthesia. This can be done using local anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or intraligamentary anesthesia (numbing the periodontal ligament portion of the tooth to be extracted). Sometimes these methods are used in combination.
Step 2: Loosening the tooth. After anesthesia is given, the tissue around the tooth to be extracted will be numb, so you will not feel any pain. The gums will be separated from the tooth. The dentist will then use a lever to loosen the tooth. Once the tooth is slightly loose, it will be gradually pulled out with dental forceps until it is loose enough to be easily removed from the mouth. The tooth will be checked for integrity immediately after extraction.
Step 3: Clean the wound. Now all that’s left is to clean the wound. Your dentist will examine the socket and remove any infected tissue. You’ll be given some gauze to bite on and sent home with instructions.
5. What should be followed after tooth extraction?
After tooth extraction, you need to follow some rules to help the wound heal quickly:
- No smoking
- Do not drink coffee, tea, alcohol
- Do not touch the wound with your fingers
- Do not wash
- No sports
- Eat and drink carefully, rinse your mouth after eating to ensure no food remains in the socket where the tooth was just extracted.
6. Measures to handle complications
Complications such as swelling and pain may occur after tooth extraction. These are usually harmless complications. If you cannot relieve the pain with prescribed pain medication, you should see your dentist for a check-up. Pain and swelling can also be reduced by cooling.
See also: Things to know about baby teeth extraction
7. How long does it take for a tooth extraction to heal?
The duration of pain depends on the size of the wound, the individual's sensitivity to pain, and the healing process. Generally, the pain usually subsides after 2 to 3 days. In cases where the wound is difficult to heal or the wound surface is large, the pain may last more than a week.
In the case of a minor wound, the gums can heal in about a week. Larger wounds may take 2 to 3 weeks. The bone under the gums may take 3 to 4 months to heal.
8. How does Sakura Dental perform tooth extraction in the safest, easiest (and painless) way for you?
Many patients are hesitant to have their teeth extracted because they fear the pain and discomfort. However, at Sakura, we have developed a process that makes tooth extraction as safe, easy, and painless as possible.
Below is the tooth extraction process at Sakura to ensure safety, comfort and ease for you:
8.1. Preliminary assessment
Before performing a tooth extraction, our dentist will conduct a preliminary assessment of the patient's medical history and oral pathology, and X-rays will also be taken (panoramic or 3D if necessary). This will help us determine potential risks or complications, and the direction of the extraction during the procedure. We will also thoroughly examine the affected tooth to determine the extent of damage or decay.
8.2. Local anesthesia
Our dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth to ensure that you do not feel any pain during the procedure. This will help prevent any discomfort or pain during the extraction.
8.3. Tooth extraction
Once the patient is anesthetized, the dentist will proceed to extract the tooth. We use specialized instruments and techniques to extract the tooth gently and effectively. Our dentist will also minimize any trauma or damage to the surrounding tissue by breaking up the tooth instead of drilling to enlarge the bone. The Piezotome atraumatic tooth extraction machine is also equipped to help patients have the best experience.
8.4. Post-tooth extraction care
After a tooth extraction, your dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the area where the tooth was extracted. This includes advice on how to control pain or discomfort, prevent infection, and promote healing.
8.5. Re-examination
Sakura Dental will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor the customer's recovery process and ensure there are no complications. The 24/7 hotline always helps customers answer any questions related to post-tooth extraction issues.
See also: How is wisdom tooth extraction done?
In short, tooth extraction can be a difficult experience for many customers, but Sakura has made the process as safe and easy as possible. We use advanced techniques and tools to minimize pain or discomfort during the procedure. Contact Sakura Dental if you need tooth extraction, we will bring you the best care possible.