WHY ARE TEETH REMOVED?

ByAvinash Mittal

Although many adolescents and some adults have their wisdom teeth removed, there are additional situations in which adult tooth extraction may be required.

Dental extractions may be necessary due to severe tooth decay, infections, or crowding. One or two teeth may need to be extracted in order to make way for the other teeth as they move into position for those who obtain braces. Additionally, compromised teeth may need to be removed in order to maintain oral health for patients who are receiving chemotherapy or are preparing to get an organ transplant.

A tooth extraction is a short outpatient surgery carried done by a dentist or oral surgeon under local, general, intravenous, or a combination of anesthesias. An easy extraction is the removal of teeth that are visible. Broken, subsurface, or impacted teeth call for a more extensive surgery.

HOW MUCH DOES A TOOTH EXTRATION COST?

Whether a tooth is impacted determines how much it will cost to extract it. Simple extractions katy tx typically cost $75 to $200 per tooth, though they could cost more depending on the kind of anaesthetic you require.

Impacted teeth removal carries a much higher price tag that can range from $800 to $4,000. The cost of the process might also be influenced by where you reside because many services are based on the cost of living in a certain area.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR TOOTH EXTRACTION

An X-ray of your tooth will be taken by your dentist before the procedure is scheduled. Tell your dentist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, as well as any vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies.

If you will soon be receiving intravenous treatment for another medical condition using a medication known as a bisphosphonate, let your dentist know. If so, the extraction should be performed prior to the medication therapy to prevent osteonecrosis of the jaw (bone death).

Also, tell your dentist about any of the following conditions:

  • a congenital heart defect
  • diabetes
  • liver disease
  • thyroid disease
  • renal disease
  • hypertension
  • an artificial joint
  • damaged heart valves
  • adrenal disease
  • an impaired immune system
  • a history of bacterial endocarditis

Your dentist may want to make sure all conditions are stable or treated before you undergo the tooth extraction. You might be prescribed antibiotics in the days leading up to the procedure if:

  • your surgery is expected to be long
  • you have an infection or a weakened immune system
  • you have a specific medical condition

It’s helpful to keep the following in mind for the day of the tooth extraction in order to ensure quality treatment:

  • If you will be receiving intravenous (IV) anesthesia, wear a short-sleeved shirt or loose-fitted clothing, and don’t eat or drink for six to eight hours before your appointment.
  • Don’t smoke beforehand.
  • Tell your dentist if you have a cold, as you may need to reschedule.
  • Tell your dentist if you had nausea or vomiting the night before, which may require different anesthesia or rescheduling.
  • If you’re receiving general anesthesia, have someone with you to drive you home.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR A TOOTH EXTRACTION?

Depending on whether your tooth is visible or affected, your extraction will either be straightforward or invasive.

simple extraction

A local anaesthetic will be administered to you, numbing the area around your teeth so that the process will only cause you to feel pressure rather than pain. After loosening the tooth with an elevator and extracting it with forceps, the dentist.

surgical extraction

Most likely, you’ll receive both intravenous and local anaesthetic, the latter of which calms and relaxes you. Depending on your medical history and other factors, you might potentially need general anaesthesia. If you receive general anaesthesia, you won’t wake up while the treatment is being done.

A small incision will be made into your gum by the regular dentist or oral surgeon. Before they can extract your tooth, they might need to cut it, remove the bone surrounding it, or both.

WHAT ARE THE RISK OF TOOTH EXTRACTION?

There are certain risks associated with having a tooth extracted, but if your dentist recommends treatment, the advantages are likely to outweigh the slight possibility of difficulties.

The socket, or hole in the bone where the tooth was taken, usually produces a blood clot on its own after a tooth extraction. The term “dry socket” refers to a situation in which the blood clot either does not form or dislodges, leaving the bone inside the socket exposed. If this occurs, the dentist will cover the region with a sedative dressing for a few days to protect it. A fresh clot will form throughout this period.

Other risks include:

  1. bleeding that lasts longer than 12 hours
  2. severe fever and chills, signalling an infection
  3. nausea or vomiting
  4. cough
  5. chest pain and shortness of breath
  6. swelling and redness at the surgical site
  7. Contact your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.

What is the recovery period from a tooth extraction?

It normally takes a few days to recover after a tooth extraction. The following steps help ensure that your recovery goes smoothly.

  • Apply an ice pack to your cheek directly after the procedure to reduce swelling. Use the ice pack for 10 minutes each time.
  • After the dentist places the gauze pad over the affected area, bite down to reduce bleeding and to aid in clot formation. Leave the gauze on for three to four hours, or until the pad is soaked with blood.
  • Take any medications as prescribed, including over-the-counter painkillers.
  • Rest and relax for the first 24 hours. Do not jump immediately into your regular routine the following day.
  • Don’t use a straw for the first 24 hours.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Don’t rinse for 24 hours after the tooth extraction, and spit only gently.
  • Use pillows to prop your head up when you lie down.
  • Brush and floss your teeth like normal, but avoid the extraction site.
  • The day after the procedure, eat soft foods, such as yogurt, pudding, and applesauce.
  • After 24 hours, add a half-teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water to rinse out your mouth.
  • As you heal over the next few days, you can slowly reintroduce other foods into your diet.

If you are experiencing pain that isn’t going away after several days or signs of an infection —including fever, pain, and pus or drainage from the incision — make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.

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