How Does Tooth Extraction Work?
- Preparation for The Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is known officially as an oral surgery procedure. It can sound much worse then it is. Fear of the unknown can cause you to imagine all kinds of horrible scenarios but the truth is there is an actual procedure that usually runs pretty smoothly. It is also a relatively short process once you have been prepared for the actual extraction. - Some common tooth extraction tools
After being seated in the dental chair you will probably be asked about your general health and medical history. If you have a bad infection you will be given an antibiotic prescription and asked to reschedule. If you have ever had Rheumatic Fever in your medical history it is very important to alert the dentist to this fact. She will give you an antibiotic right before the procedure. Tooth extraction without an antibiotic when you have had RF can be dangerous.
Once your history is recorded, you will be given an injection or shot in your gum near the extraction site. This will cause the area to become numb so that you will not feel the actual extraction. If you are afraid of the injection, request a topical creme to be applied first. That way you will not feel the needle stick.
The dentist or dental assistant will leave a few minutes to allow the numbing anesthetic to work. When you are completely numb he will test with an instrument called an explorer before starting. This is the straight dental instrument with a curved hook on the end. If you do not feel it when they poke your gums they will continue with the process.
The dentist will use a pair of dental pliers to grasp the tooth and rock it back and forth. This is to break the roots away from the gum and bone. He may also use a type of dental chisel to dig below the tooth crown line to further lift the roots out. Once the roots have come away from the foundation they adhere to, the pliers will be used to pull the tooth from the mouth. You should not feel any pain during this, but you will feel a slight to moderate pressure as the roots are being lifted under your gum. Occasionally a tooth is impacted. This is usually the case of a wisdom tooth that is not fully through the gum and most of the tooth is under the gum, or it may be a tooth where the tooth has broken. In these situations a dentist may use a small dental scalpel to make a tiny cut in the gum in order to reach the tooth. Again there should be no pain. If there is alert the dentist so that he can give you another injection to numb the area further. Most of the time however the one injection should be enough.
While the tooth is being pulled, a dental assistant will be placing a type of vacuum tube in your mouth .This tube will draw out saliva and any blood to keep the work site clear and keep the patient from swallowing it. Once the tooth is out the dentist will put a folded square of gauze on the extraction site and have you bite down to stem any blood flow - You will be allowed to sit in the dental chair to be sure you feel well enough to drive. If you were given anesthesia that put you to sleep for the procedure you will need someone else to drive. You will also be provided with more gauze squares and told to change them as needed. Most dentists will offer prescriptions for an antibiotic to take care of any lingering infection and for a pain pill. The pain pills are for any pain after the numbness wears off. For a day or two you will need to drink fluids and eat soft foods. Refrain from drinking through a straw or smoking for a day because this can dislocate the blood clot over the area. A condition known as dry socket may occur, however it is unlikely. This is where the blood clot protecting the extraction site does not form or is removed. It can be very painful. Call your dentist if you experience this or have any severe pain.
