Simply put, a dental extraction is the surgical removal of a tooth from the mouth. There are many reasons why a tooth may need to be removed, ranging from problematic wisdom teeth to nerve damage, to infections, to even being as simple as needing a little more room in your smile.
Historically, dental extractions have been used for everything from superstitiously treating illnesses, to torturing prisoners for information. Before there were antibiotics, any kind of infection in the body was thought to be helped through the removal of a painful tooth.
Dental instruments were first invented in the 14th century, and evolved slowly over time from the crude, to the more refined instrument. The modern forceps were first introduced in the 20th century, and are most commonly used today.
Oral surgery can be simple, easy, and relatively painless, or it can be quite difficult, and require a substantial period of recovery. It depends on the situation, and the way a person's nerves, blood vessels, and gums react.
You are most likely in need of a dental extraction if you have severe tooth decay or an infection, extra teeth which are blocking new teeth, gum disease, a fracture, wisdom teeth, or teeth that are obstructing necessary radiation to the head or neck. If you are suffering from any of these issues, make sure you seek the professional advice of an oral surgeon, and have x-rays taken.
There are two basic kinds or categories of extraction. They are simple, or surgical.
Simple extraction is performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth, usually under a local anesthetic. They require the basic instruments to grasp and remove the tooth.
The canine is lifted using an elevator, and then rocked back and forth with forceps until the periodontal ligament has been sufficiently broken, and the bone is widened enough to loosen the removal. This is considered a pretty simple and standard procedure, and is usually done quite quickly.
The second kind, a surgical extraction, is necessary when the tooth cannot be easily accessed, due to gums or other obstructions. These procedures always require an incision, and the soft tissue is elevated from the bone.
The surrounding bone tissue may need to be removed slightly with a drill or osteotome. The removal may require a cracking or splitting of the enamel to facilitate the process.
Once the extraction is complete, a certain amount of recovery is necessary. A blood clot will form in the empty socket of the mouth, usually within one hour.
Bleeding is fairly common, and often temporary gauze will be applied to control this seepage. The open wound overlying the dental socket usually takes about a week to heal.
The socket will fill itself in with soft gum tissue, over a period of about one to two months. Final closure of the socket with bone can take around six months to complete.
While usually these procedures generally go quite smoothly and complication free, sometimes irritating or painful complications can occur. They range from the minor, to the very serious.
On the minor end of the scale, a patient could have swelling in the mouth and cheeks. This is fairly normal depending on the reason for the removal, and can be treated through anti-swelling medications-it will generally subside in a matter of days.
Infection is more rare, but also occurs in some patients. This is more serious, and should be addressed immediately.
It is treated through antibiotics, which are taken on a regular schedule until the pain and discomfort completely subside. Sometimes surgeons will prescribe antibiotics as a precaution before pain even occurs.
Nerve injury is a very serious and sometimes permanent consequence of oral surgery. If a nerve is too close to the proximity of the surgical site, the nerve can be damaged to the point of complete loss of feeling.
The inferior alveolar nerve and the lingual nerve are the most likely to be damaged, and depending on the harm done, can either be temporarily or permanently disabled. If this happens, your surgeon will decide what action should be taken next.
Dry socket is probably the most painful result of a surgical complication. This can occur when the blood clot is removed from the surgical site too soon, exposing the bone to air, water, and food.
This is treated by packing the hole with healing and protective gauze and tape every few hours. It will heal within a matter of days if treated properly.
Oral surgery and dental extractions can be very helpful procedures. Make sure that you take the proper pre and post-surgical precautions, and your surgery should go as smoothly as can be expected.
Author Resource:-
Ignacio Lopez has been working as an Oral Surgeon since 1985. He has written several article about oral health throughout his life. He recommends Oral Surgeon Utah for all your oral needs.
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