Tooth extraction

Tooth extraction is a surgical procedure to remove a permanently damaged tooth. Although many people find this procedure frightening and distressing, modern dentistry has improved considerably and tooth extraction can be carried out quickly and without pain.

When a tooth extraction is needed

Tooth extraction is usually due to severe, irreversible periodontal damage caused by tooth decay, severe trauma to the tooth, or a chipped or fractured tooth. Sometimes it is necessary to remove mental or fully erupted (retinated) teeth to protect adjacent teeth. However, when the mental teeth have a chewing function and the patient can provide good care, these teeth do not need to be removed. Tooth extraction is often used in orthodontic treatment planning, in which case completely healthy teeth can also be extracted.

It is up to the dentist or oral surgeon to decide whether a tooth needs to be removed after assessing its condition.

Many patients feel well after tooth extraction and can go back to their normal lives straight away. Here are some recommendations to help ensure a faster and smoother healing period.

• The wound may bleed slightly for up to a few hours after tooth extraction, so it is recommended to keep a sterile gauze dressing on the wound.
• Pain may be felt when the anaesthetic wears off. This is controlled with anti-inflammatory painkillers. Antibiotics may also be given after tooth extraction.
• If the removal was performed under local anaesthesia, you can eat 2 hours after the procedure. For the first day after tooth extraction, it is advisable to choose liquid or soft foods and to avoid eating hot and hard foods.
• Swelling may occur after tooth extraction, which usually starts to subside 48 hours after the procedure and completely disappears within about a week. To prevent or reduce swelling, it is recommended to ice pack the cheek at the site of the extracted tooth for the first few hours after the procedure. After freezing for up to 20 minutes, a break should be taken. Occasionally, small bruises may form on the face, but these disappear within a few days.
• It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise and bending for 24 hours after the procedure. It is recommended not to smoke for at least a few days after tooth extraction, as smoking impairs wound healing. Do not brush for 2 hours and do not rinse for 12 hours after tooth extraction. Afterwards, the teeth should be cleaned bypassing the extracted tooth. After one day, you should start using the rinsing solution prescribed by your doctor, but be very careful when rinsing.
• If the wound was sutured after tooth extraction, the sutures will be removed 7-14 days after the procedure.