Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is the process of surgically or simply removing a tooth from the mouth that is damaged beyond repair, infected, or causing crowding in the mouth. It can be done for various reasons (such as caries, infection, gum diseases, orthodontic treatment).

Before the Procedure

• Your dentist will thoroughly examine your tooth and mouth.
• Usually, local anesthesia is applied, so you will not feel pain during the procedure.
• Your dentist will inform you in detail about the procedure.

How Is Tooth Extraction Performed?

• The area is numbed by applying local anesthesia.
• The tooth is gently loosened from the bone socket using special instruments.
• The tooth is loosened with the help of an elevator, moved from its place and extracted with a forceps.
• The tooth is carefully removed with its roots.
• If there is an infection in the extracted tooth, it is cleaned with a surgical curette.
• Bleeding is stopped by placing gauze on the extracted area.
• Bleeding control is ensured and stitches are placed if necessary.

After the Procedure

• There may be mild pain and swelling for the first few days.
• It is better to consume soft and cold foods in the first days.
• You should pay attention to oral care as recommended by your dentist.

Recovery Process

• There may be mild pain and swelling for the first few days. This condition can be controlled with the painkillers recommended by your doctor.
• Slight bleeding may be seen on the first day, so it is recommended not to gargle, as it will disrupt clotting and may cause problems in stopping bleeding.
• If there is an acute infection, antibiotics and painkillers are prescribed.
• If stitches are placed, they are usually removed within 7–10 days.

What Should Be Considered After Tooth Extraction?

• Protect the clot formed in the mouth: Be careful not to disturb the clot formed in the extracted area.
• Oral Hygiene: Brush regularly and use dental floss using the oral care products recommended by your dentist. Avoid touching the extracted area with your tongue.
• Temperature: Do not apply heat to the extracted area. Avoid consuming hot and hard food and drinks in the first few days.
• Spitting: Do not spit for the first few hours after extraction.
• Smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol use negatively affect the healing process.
• Medications: Use the medications recommended by your doctor regularly.

Why Is Tooth Extraction Done?

• Caries: If tooth decay has progressed and does not respond to treatment, tooth extraction may be necessary. If the tooth is infected or has formed a cyst in advanced cases, tooth extraction may be necessary.
• Gum Diseases: Periodontal diseases can cause damage to the tissues supporting the teeth and lead to tooth loss.
• Dental Trauma: Teeth can be broken or dislodged as a result of an accident or impact.
• Orthodontic Treatments: In cases such as tooth crowding or deformities in the jaw structure, it may be necessary to extract some teeth before or during orthodontic treatment to make room.
• Impacted Teeth: Some teeth, such as wisdom teeth, may remain in the jawbone and cause inflammation. In this case, tooth extraction may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extraction

1. Is tooth extraction painful?

Thanks to modern dentistry, the tooth extraction procedure is usually painless due to local anesthesia. You will not feel any pain during the procedure. After the procedure, there may be a slight pain and swelling, but this can be controlled with painkillers.

2. How long does tooth extraction take?

The duration of tooth extraction varies depending on the condition and complexity of the tooth. A simple extraction takes a few minutes, while more complex cases may take a little longer.

3. What to eat after tooth extraction?

It is important to consume soft and cold foods in the first 24 hours after tooth extraction. Foods such as yogurt, puree, and ice cream can be preferred. Hot, hard, and spicy foods should be avoided.

4. What are the complications after tooth extraction?

• Bleeding: Rarely, there may be prolonged or severe bleeding.
• Infection: The risk of infection increases if oral hygiene is not taken care of.
• Dry socket: It is a painful condition that occurs when a blood clot does not form.
• Sinus problems: Sinus problems may be experienced after extraction of upper jaw teeth.
• Bone loss: If tooth deficiency continues for a long time, bone loss may occur.

5. General Considerations to Be Considered After Treatment (Post-Op)

Care after each procedure increases the success of the treatment and prevents complications.

General Recommendations:

• Oral hygiene should be taken care of after surgical procedures.
• Ice application is recommended for swelling and pain.
• Hard and hot foods should be avoided.
• The medications prescribed by the doctor should be used regularly.
• Control appointments should not be missed.