Dental Extraction: Types, Risks and Recovery

Dental extraction, commonly referred to as tooth extraction or tooth pulling, is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Your dentist will recommend a tooth extraction for the following reasons:   

• Extremely decayed or shattered tooth beyond repair.  
• Implant, denture, brace, and other orthodontic treatments preparation.  
• Infected tooth.  
• Gum diseases.  
• Baby tooth that did not fall out in time.  
• Patients undergoing chemotherapy.  
• Preparing to undergo an organ transplant.  

A tooth extraction can be nerve-wracking but understanding what to expect from a dental extraction will help you overcome your fears. Keep reading to find out what it is. 

Types:   

There are 2 main types of extraction: simple and surgical. The type you receive will be determined on the nature of your dental problem.   

Simple Extraction: A simple extraction is when a tooth that is visible in your mouth is extracted. The dentist will desensitize the tooth and gum tissue to loosen the tooth using an elevator and forceps. It can be extracted out in one piece by a dentist.   

Surgical Extraction: This is a more complex procedure for patients who have a broken tooth or one that has not yet erupted at the gum line, or an impacted tooth. Depending on the severity of your condition, the dentist will decide if a local, intravenous, or general anesthetic is required. During the procedure, a small incision on your gum will be created to access and loosen your tooth. If the damaged tooth is too large, it will be broken into tiny pieces to make removal easier. There are few other major dental conditions that could also require surgical treatments such as removing the whole root if needed. 

Risks:   

Fortunately, there aren’t many. Yet, because this is surgery, there is always the possibility that something can go wrong. Nonetheless, if the dentist suggests extractions, it signifies that the benefits outweigh the minor risks.   

 Few of its risks are:   

• Dry socket caused by blood clot.   
• Bleeding that continues for more than 12 hours.   
• Fever and chills indicating illness.   
• Nausea or vomiting.   
• Cough.   
• Shortness of breath and chest pain.   
• Swelling and redness in the surgical area.   

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact the dentist right away.   

Recovery:  

The time it takes to recover from a tooth extraction procedure varies from case to case; it is primarily determined by the severity of the case as well as the patient’s tolerance. Some people recover in a matter of days, while others require longer time. Keep the extraction site clean, take soft foods, drink plenty of water, and avoid intense or exhausting activities during the first few days. To reduce swelling on the cheek, apply an ice pack. It would be best to not smoke or rinse your mouth vigorously for 24 hours following your extraction.   

You should be able to function normally again in 2 to 3 days, although the jawbone may take several weeks to fully recover. After that, the gap will be filled with new bone and gum tissue. However, missing a tooth might cause the remaining teeth to move, altering your bite and making chewing difficult. That’s why it is advisable to take regular dental check-ups before another complication arises.   

To know more about extractions and treatment offers, talk to our experts at Bravo! Dental.