Tooth Extraction Procedure

Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure. However, that is not the only reason why you may need to go through it. There are various reasons why a dentist may recommend that you get a tooth extraction. Since the procedure entails the removal of your tooth, it is usually the last resort. A dentist will only suggest tooth extraction if the treatment is not possible by other methods and won’t risk your remaining teeth.

You may have to go through the tooth extraction procedure to remove a wisdom tooth, dental trauma, tooth decay, or periodontal disease beyond treatment, or dental crowding. How your dentist will go about extraction and how expensive and difficult it will be, depends on your specific case. However, there are two kinds of tooth extraction that dentists recommend to patients:

Simple Tooth Extraction

If the tooth is visible, your dentist may opt for a simple tooth extraction. The dentist will most likely give you local anesthesia for numbing the area. It will cost you significantly less per tooth in comparison to the other, more complex method.

Surgical Tooth Extraction

Surgical tooth extraction is required if the tooth is impacted or broken. For the procedure, the dentist may provide you with both local and intravenous anesthesia. General anesthesia may also be required in some cases. The cost of surgical tooth extraction is more than that of a simple extraction.

What should you do before the tooth extraction procedure?

If you need a tooth extraction, you need to be honest with your dentist and discuss everything prior to the procedure. For example, if you have any serious medical condition and are on medication for it, let them know. These conditions may include diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, arthritis, etc. so that they can tailor the procedure accordingly.

Furthermore, if you have the flu or feel nauseous before the treatment, your dentist may have to reschedule the treatment to avoid any unwanted effects. Your dentist must be aware of your condition to avoid post-treatment complications. Even if you are taking any medicines or vitamin supplements, make sure that your dentist is aware of it before the procedure.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

Once your dentist is completely informed about your situation, it will be easier for them to move forward while taking precautions.

Numbing Your Tooth

Whether it is simple or surgical, the first step in tooth extraction is to provide the patient with an anesthetic dose. A dentist cannot subject you to the pain, and so, they will make sure that they provide you with the right amount of dose. They will find the right spot and inject the anesthesia to numb your tooth, gum, and bone tissue surrounding that area.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

Once the anesthesia has been given, the dentist will begin the tooth extraction procedure. Your dentist will use the two most common tools for extraction. The first is the extraction forceps. Another important tool that may be used during the procedure is a dental elevator. They help create space while expanding the socket, making it easier to separate the tooth from its ligament.

Open Space

Once they have extracted the tooth, it will leave behind an open space in the socket, which needs to be catered to accordingly. Your dentist will ensure that everything is clear, from compressing the socket back to its place to removing any infected tissues or tooth fragments.

Bleeding

To stop bleeding, the dentist will then place gauze in the area, which you will have to bite down on to create the required pressure. Your doctor will guide you on how to do it, and if you are confused, you can ask them. When you exert pressure through the gauze, it will help build the clot with time, which is significant for the tooth extraction aftercare procedure.

What to Expect During the Procedure?

Unlike teeth cleaning, tooth extraction is not something that you go through regularly. However, it is advisable that you openly communicate your concerns to your dentist so they can resolve your issues. In general, you can expect the following from the procedure:

No Pain

Because of the anesthetic dose, you should not feel any pain during the procedure. If you do, inform your dentist so that they can increase the dose. However, keep in mind that pain is different from pressure, which is common when the dentist uses tools for extraction. An anesthetic dose will not relieve pressure so try not to confuse pain with pressure.

Pressure

During the procedure, you will feel a certain pressure exerted while extracting the tooth and making space using a dental elevator. You will be able to identify it because it will not cause you pain.

Noise

While not everyone hears noises during the procedure, it is not uncommon. If you hear a weird noise during treatment, you should not be worried about it. Since the tooth is hard and it collides with other hard objects, it can create noise.

Dos and Don’ts After Tooth Extraction

Once you are done with the procedure, it is imperative to practice tooth extraction aftercare. Thus, here are some of the dos and don’ts that will help you:

Dos After Extraction

• As stated earlier, bite firmly on the gauze that the dentist will place in the affected area.
• After the procedure, try to stay on a soft, cold food diet.
• If the dentist has prescribed any pain killers, do not forget to take them.
• Take extra care of your oral hygiene.

Don’ts After Extraction

• Try not to spit or rinse out blood or saliva constantly.
• Avoid hot food or beverages.
• Do not use a straw for the intake of liquid items.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol as it can have dire effects on the affected area.
• Do not meddle with the extraction to ensure proper healing.

We understand that tooth extraction in Dubai can be stressful. However, if the best dentists in town are taking care of the procedure, there is nothing that you need to worry about. Contact us today to arrange a pre-consultation session to discuss all your options.

Discover why not all wisdom teeth need to be removed in our blog on Not All Wisdom Teeth Require Extraction.