Dental Extractions
An In-Depth Guide
Introduction
Dental extractions are a common procedure in dental care here at Selandra Dental,
An extraction involves the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. While the thought of having a tooth pulled may seem daunting, understanding the reasons behind it, the procedure itself can alleviate much of the anxiety associated with it. This comprehensive guide aims to provide detailed information about dental extractions to help patients make informed decisions.
Reasons for Dental Extractions
Tooth Decay
One of the most common reasons for dental extractions is severe tooth decay. When a tooth is damaged beyond repair due to decay, it can cause significant pain and infection. Removing the affected tooth can prevent the spread of infection and alleviate discomfort.
Gum Disease
Advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, can damage the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. In severe cases, teeth may become loose and need to be extracted to preserve oral health and prevent further complications.
Impacted Teeth
Teeth that are unable to emerge properly due to obstruction by other teeth or bone are referred to as impacted. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the most commonly impacted teeth and often require extraction to prevent pain, infection, and alignment issues. Here at Selandra Dental we like to make sure you are in the best hand possible so after clear evaluation on the severity of the impaction we may even send you off to a specialist surgeon to remove the tooth in question.
Overcrowding
When there is insufficient space in the mouth for all the teeth to align properly, extractions may be necessary. This is often the case in orthodontic treatments, where removing one or more teeth can help achieve the desired alignment and bite.
Trauma or Injury
Teeth that have been severely damaged due to injury or trauma might need to be extracted if they cannot be repaired with restorative procedures.
Preparation for Dentures
In some cases, dental extractions are performed to prepare the mouth for dentures. Removing unhealthy or problematic teeth can ensure a better fit and function of the dentures.
Pre Extraction Preparation
As you may already know some patients require extra preparation prior to an extraction, here are some conditions where we may need to get your GP involved in our case planning for extractions
- Blood thinners
- Heart conditions
- Artificial joints
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
The Extraction Procedure
Types of Extractions
There are two main types of dental extractions: simple extractions and surgical extractions.
Simple Extractions: These are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth. The dentist uses an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it.
Surgical Extractions: These are more complex procedures required for teeth that are not easily accessible, such as impacted teeth. The dentist or an oral surgeon makes an incision in the gum and may remove some bone around the tooth or cut the tooth into pieces to facilitate removal.
Preparation
Before the extraction, a thorough examination and X-rays are conducted to assess the condition of the tooth and surrounding structures. The dentist will discuss the procedure, potential risks, and aftercare instructions with the patient. Local anaesthesia is administered to numb the area, and in some cases, sedation may be used to help the patient relax.
The Procedure
During the extraction, the dentist will carefully loosen the tooth using specialized instruments. For surgical extractions, an incision is made to access the tooth. The tooth is then removed, and the area is cleaned. Stitches may be placed to close the incision if necessary. The entire process usually takes about 20-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
Aftercare instructions will be discussed and given to you when leaving Selandra Dental.