Dental Extractions
The simplest way to describe a dental extraction is removing a tooth
To actually extract the tooth involves lifting the tooth from its socket in the jawbone. At KidZdent, prior to a dentist considering or exploring the option of a dental extraction, every effort will be made to try and repair or restore the natural tooth. However, sometimes extractions are the best option and most necessary.
Reasons for Extraction
While many teens and some adults get their wisdom teeth removed, there are other reasons why tooth extraction may be necessary in pediatric dentistry.
- Excessive Tooth Decay
- Tooth Infection
- Tooth Crowding
- Over retained baby teeth
- Sever Tooth Damage/Trauma
- Misaligned/Nonfunctioning Teeth
- Orthodontic Treatment (May need more than one removed to make room for teeth as they shift into place)
- Extra Teeth
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Organ Transplant
The Most Commonly Extracted Teeth: Wisdom Teeth
The Most Commonly Extracted Teeth: Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom tooth removal is the most well-known category for a tooth extraction. Many dental professionals will recommend removing wisdom teeth (third molars) before they are fully developed. Removing wisdom teeth when patients are in their late teens usually helps eliminate potential problems. The teeth are smaller and easier to remove, they leave a smaller opening in the bone and younger patients are still experience bone growth and usually heal quickly.
A potential problem that may occur during the developmental stage of an impacted tooth that has surfaced is inflammation or infection. When the gum tissue is open and the tooth cannot fully erupt, bacteria collects in the area and can also cause tooth decay. The pressure of the tooth when there is no room in the mouth for a new tooth to grow and can cause not only discomfort, but also other dental issues like decay of adjacent teeth, or gum disease.
Other types of extractions may also be required in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Primary or permanent teeth may be extracted to achieve proper eruption and spacing and properly align teeth. However, that will only be discussed if necessary after assessment.
Two Types of Extractions
- Simple Extractions
- Surgical Extractions
Simple extractions occur when the tooth or teeth that require extraction are visible in the mouth. This type of dental extraction is more often completed with the use of local anesthetic or sedation depending on the recommendation of one of our experts.
The other type of dental extraction is a surgical extraction, which are typically performed on the teeth that cannot easily be seen or reached in the mouth. Sometimes a tooth has broken off at the gum line or has not fully erupted yet. In such cases, a dentist would recommend some type of surgical option, which can also be performed under local anesthesia or sedation. Patients with special medical conditions and young children may receive IV sedation.
Recovery Time
It usually takes about 5-7 days to fully heal and recover from a tooth extraction, provided there are no complications like a dry socket. A dry socket only occurs if a clot has failed to form over the socket and it is left exposed to air or bacteria. Our professionals will walk you through all of the tips on how to avoid a dry socket. The gum area should be fully healed in three to four weeks.
Aftercare Tips Include:
- Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours immediately following treatment
- Do not drink through a straw for 72 hours after extraction
- Stick to a soft or liquid diet the day of and the day after a tooth extraction, gradually progressing to eating other easy-to-chew foods. Try to chew with teeth that are far from the extraction site.
- Brush and floss the other teeth as usual, but avoid the teeth and gum next to the extraction socket
Get in Touch
Have questions or need any help from our team? Reach out to us below and one of our team members will get in touch with you as soon as we see your request.