Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractionTooth extraction is a minor surgical procedure during which the tooth is removed from the jawbone. This procedure is done under local anaesthesia.


Indications for tooth extraction include the following:

  • acute and/or chronic inflammation of the tissue around the tooth, i.e. periodontitis;
  • extensive decay that makes tooth restoration impossible;
  • inflammation with pus formation (abscesses, phlegmons) of the facial and jaw bones;
  • tooth caused chronic sinusitis;
  • teeth or roots of teeth in the fracture line in the case of trauma;
  • gingivitis accompanied by very loose teeth;
  • orthodontic indications (treatment of a defective tooth row);
  • orthopaedic indications (on the basis of dental prosthesis construction);
  • wisdom teeth that have caused recurring inflammations of the surrounding tissues;
  • teeth located in tumorous formations;
  • tooth crown fracture, if restoration is not possible;
  • primary teeth in children if they affect the growth of permanent teeth.

 

Course of the procedure:

  • Before the procedure, you are given an antiseptic solution for rinsing.
  • Next, the respective tooth region is anesthetised, or if the tooth is located on the lower jaw, half of the jaw is anesthetised. Anaesthesia lasts 1–4 hours, depending on the region.
  • The tooth is removed from the surrounding tissue with special tools.
  • The alveolus (socket in the jaw) is cleaned with a surgical spoon.
  • A sterile gauze is placed on the wound for 15–20 minutes. During that time, a blood clot usually forms on the wound – an important factor in the healing process that protects the wound from infection.

 

NB! Avoid using a toothbrush for 8 hours after tooth extraction. After that, clean your teeth thoroughly and gently, avoid touching the wound. Use a soft toothbrush; also use dental floss or interdental brushes, if needed. Eating and drinking is not recommended for 2 hours after tooth extraction. Avoid hot drinks and alcohol. Food has to be warm and/or cool as well as soft. Avoid solid, sticky, and spicy foods. If you are a smoker, do not smoke for at least 12 hours after tooth extraction. Smoking stops the blood from clotting and slows down the healing process. Avoid going to the sauna and taking hot baths for 2 days after the procedure, because a hot sauna or bath expands blood vessels and may cause bleeding from the wound. Avoid physically straining activities on the day of the procedure because this rises blood pressure and may cause bleeding.