When is surgical tooth extraction necessary?
Currently, the rule is simple. If there is no such need, no extractions are used. However, as it happens in life, sometimes there is no other option. There are situations in which a tooth (for various reasons) cannot remain in its place in the oral cavity. Sometimes you cannot opt for standard removal. In the case of wisdom teeth, for example, surgical extraction is necessary.
It is worth emphasizing that surgical removal is practiced when, for example, the teeth exert too much pressure on each other. This may cause pain and discomfort when eating or even speaking. Often, extraction is required because a patien’s teeth are too crowded or they have impacted teeth (teeth that are still in the jawline but have not erupted into the mouth).
Are you wondering why sometimes a particular tooth cannot be extracted normally? For many reasons. Sometimes choosing a surgeon is a much better solution to avoid discomfort and complications after the procedure. It is worth distinguishing here some of the most common situations in connection with this issue. Surgical precision is useful when the tooth is missing its crown and only its roots remain in the oral cavity. Additionally, such treatments are performed if the tooth roots are severely curved. In the case of the already described impacted teeth, surgical procedures are also recommended.
Sometimes it also has to do with orthodontic treatment
Some people are very surprised after their first few visits to orthodontists. All because sometimes specialists in this specialization claim that certain teeth must be removed before the braces are put on... Sometimes such a need occurs already during treatment. Of course, tooth extraction is a last resort. However, sometimes there is no other option. Everything for the good of the patient. Surgical removal of wisdom teeth is, for example, necessary for the treatment to be carried out not only professionally, but also relatively quickly. There may be a situation where two teeth practically overlap. Then, removing one of them will allow you to put on an orthodontic appliance and start proper treatment. Usually, the treatments concern both sides (to maintain proper symmetry), although each case is individual. If the patient has doubts whether removal is necessary, it is worth consulting several other specialists. To be sure that such a procedure is indeed required. It must be emphasized, however, that tooth extraction during orthodontic treatment is not uncommon.
Surgical tooth extraction: who undertakes such a task?
It turns out that this is no ordinary dentist. The dentist performs simple extractions. When it comes to more complicated situations, this is where the maxillofacial surgeon comes into play. This is a specialist who, for example, is great at dealing with wisdom teeth, impacted teeth, etc. A surgical extraction can take up to a couple of hours, depending on your case.
How long does it take for a wound to heal after tooth extraction?
The entire healing process of a wound after tooth extraction usually lasts from 7 to 10 days, although in the case of wisdom teeth it can be up to a month. Complete healing that no longer affects our quality of life can take up to half a year - this is the time when bone tissue rebuilds. In the first days after tooth extraction, to speed up wound healing, you should:
- avoid tobacco products for at least 3 days;
- take anti-inflammatory medications as directed by your doctor;
- avoid mouthwash;
- consume meals in liquid form (preferably directly through a straw);
- apply cool compresses to the cheek.
Following these tips will help avoid infection but will also significantly alleviate any pain that may occur in the first few days after the procedure.
How do you know if the tooth extraction area is infected?
Maintaining proper oral hygiene after tooth extraction is quite difficult, which is why it happens that infection occurs. We will not be able to assess its condition on our own, because it is necessary to look directly at the tooth. A clue that something is wrong with a tooth wound may be:
- recurring pain;
- bleeding;
- high fever;
- nausea;
- unpleasant odor emitted from the mouth.
If any of the symptoms occur, it is necessary to immediately schedule a follow-up visit – an untreated and infected wound may cause sepsis or tetanus.