Extraction – basic information

ekstraction of a broken tooth
ekstraction of a broken tooth
What is an extraction?

Tooth extraction, commonly known as „tooth pulling”, is a procedure that involves removing a tooth from the alveolus. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, and sometimes (especially in case of simultaneous extraction of many teeth) under sedation. In special cases (impacted teeth, deeply broken teeth) it is necessary to remove the tooth in a more complex way – i.e. surgically. The tooth is exposed from the surrounding tissues (gum, bone) using special surgical instruments and then removed from the alveolus in whole or in parts. After the treatment, stitches are applied, which are removed after 7-14 days.

 

Indications and contraindications
Tooth extraction – indications and contraindications

Extraction is a radical and final solution. Only the dentist can determine if the tooth should be removed. Situations in which extraction may be unavoidable include:

  • significant destruction of tooth tissues by caries in a way that prevents reconstruction
  • extensive periapical changes – in the case of negative prognosis of root canal treatment
  • tooth injuries such as oblique or longitudinal tooth root fracture
  • extraction of the tooth for orthodontic reasons, aimed at creating space for other teeth or when the tooth is outside the arch and its position cannot be corrected orthodontically
  • impacted tooth with surrounding inflammation (most commonly wisdom teeth)

There are also cases in which tooth extraction is not recommended:

  • tooth embedded in a tumour or its vicinity
  • systemic contraindications such as pregnancy

Applied solutions

The course of treatment
Stages of treatment

Tooth extractions are fundamental dental treatments and require planning, not only for extraction itself, but primarily for further treatment (e.g. replacing the missing tooth).

1. Consultation and treatment planning

Before surgery, consultation with a dental surgeon is required, during which further treatment to replace the missing tooth is planned. Leaving a missing tooth can lead to bone loss over time. A team of experts working in our dental clinic will help you plan the whole process – from extraction to restoration. We will take a tomographic picture, and if necessary, use 3D Computer Tomography.

2. Surgery

The tooth extraction procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia. In our Centre we also have the option of the painless computer anaesthesia Wand and inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide. Dental surgery does not have to hurt at all. After surgical extraction of the teeth, the wound is sewn shut (stitches are removed usually after seven days). In some cases, e.g., of significant bone loss after surgical tooth removal, it is recommended to supplement the alveolus with a material that is known in the professional literature as „bone-graft”. This speeds up the healing process and strengthens the operated area. After the procedure, patients are often in a tense or emotional state, meaning that they sometimes forget about the recommendations that the doctor presented them during the visit. In our dental clinic, the patient always receives detailed post-treatment information in the form of a convenient leaflet.

3. Control check-up

In cases of difficult surgical extraction of many teeth, or pain and oedema persisting for over 3 days, it is necessary to see the doctor. In other cases, a check-up visit after 7-14 days to remove the stitches is sufficient.

The dental surgeon recommends

Recommendations

After extraction patients should strictly follow the instructions of the dental surgeon.

You should:

  • bite a sterile swab for 30 minutes after the procedure
  • regularly take medicines prescribed by your doctor
  • cool the mouth using a wound compress, sucking ice cubes and drinking cold drinks
  • take care for oral hygiene
  • use a very soft toothbrush for the first week
  • use the recommended antiseptic fluid
  • inform the surgeon about any disturbing symptoms
  • remember about regular check-up visits

After surgical procedures, you must not:

  • drink hot and carbonated beverages on the day of the procedure
  • smoke for 48 hours
  • drink alcohol for 5 days (until the end of antibiotic use)
  • eat for 2 hours after the procedure
  • eat hot, spicy or pungent dishes for 2 days after the procedure
  • do physical exercise for 7 days after the procedure
  • get too hot (use a sauna, solarium, etc.)
Warranty

For the sake of the success of treatment, we encourage patients to have regular check-ups at our surgeries – at least every 6 months. This is also a condition for the warranty.

Frequently asked questions

Why should one avoid mouth rinsing for 48 hours after tooth extraction?

The most important thing is not to rinse your teeth vigorously, because this can accidentally remove the natural dressing, or clot, that forms over the wound. Dislodging the clot often leads to so-called dry socket, which causes intense pain due to the inflammation of nerve endings located in the alveolus.

How long does tooth extraction take?

It all depends on the specific case. As a rule, the extraction of molars takes longer than other teeth. Surgical extractions or extraction of impacted teeth also take longer, since they are more complicated procedures. Typically, tooth extraction lasts from 10 minutes (in uncomplicated cases) up to 60 minutes (cases of impacted teeth, teeth lying close to the nerves, etc.)

Can you expect pain after tooth extraction?

The procedure itself is completely painless, due to the applied anaesthesia. After its completion, it is possible to feel pain. If the pain is severe, it is recommended to take a painkiller available in the pharmacy. In the case of pain or discomfort that persists for a long time, please contact your doctor, because it may be due to complications such as a dry socket.

Is the surgical extraction of “wisdom teeth” a complicated procedure? What is involved?

Surgical extraction of “wisdom tooth” is used in cases when the tooth erupts partially or in an unfavourable position or remains in the bone. The first stage is anaesthesia, after which the surgeon proceeds to extract the tooth. Often, mainly with impacted teeth, it is necessary to cut the gum at the extraction site. At the Cichoń Dental Centre, the surgeon uses the innovative “PIEZOSURGERY” device, which enables atraumatic surgeries within the bones. The surgery is very simple. There is no need to fear it.