Although tooth extraction is a last resort in modern dentistry and is only performed when absolutely necessary, in some situations it is unavoidable. If the tooth cannot be kept in the mouth, extraction, or tooth extraction, must be performed. Usually, this is a simple, standard procedure, but in some cases, surgical removal of the tooth is necessary. We explain how this type of procedure is performed.
When is surgical tooth extraction necessary?
Currently, we make every effort to cure every tooth, even the most severely damaged, because it is the best solution for every patient. We decide on extraction only when leaving the tooth in the mouth may negatively affect the condition of the entire dentition and the functioning of the masticatory system. This happens in the case of teeth that exert a lot of pressure on the neighboring teeth or cause them to crowd. It is often necessary to extract wisdom teeth that cause discomfort in the mouth, as well as impacted teeth, i.e. those that are fully developed but cannot properly erupt and position themselves in the right place in the dental arch. Surgical extraction is necessary for more problematic teeth that would be uncomfortable or difficult to remove in a traditional way. This happens when:
- the tooth is deprived of its crown and only its roots remain,
- the dental roots are strongly curved,
- teeth are impacted.
Completely painless tooth extraction
The surgical removal of a tooth is performed by a maxillofacial surgeon. The procedure is completely painless because it is performed under local anesthesia. If the situation is more complicated, general anesthesia might also be used in the case of surgical extraction. The surgical removal procedure itself involves making an incision in the gum and separating the tooth from the surrounding tissues. Then, the tooth is pulled out of the socket using specialist tools. After the tooth is removed, the surgeon places stitches and gives the patient post-procedure recommendations. Following them is necessary to avoid discomfort and possible complications. The patient should observe oral hygiene and a proper diet during the healing of the surgical site. For the next 24 hours after the extraction, hot drinks and meals should not be consumed. Keeping the area where the wound is located clean is very important, because it improves its healing process. After about a week, the patient should go for a check-up, during which the doctor will verify whether the gum is healing properly.
What happens after the procedure?
After surgical tooth extraction, when the anesthesia wears off, the patient may feel discomfort in the area after the procedure. However, the discomfort should subside after using traditional painkillers. Swelling of the surgical site may also persist for a few days after the procedure, which disappears on its own over time. Surgical procedures do not have to be unpleasant or painful. Today, thanks to modern technologies in anesthesia and dentistry, it is possible to perform surgical extractions in the most comfortable conditions for the patient.