Tooth extraction

For what reasons is a tooth extracted?

Tooth extraction is the process of completely removing the tooth. It is usually done for the following reasons:

Severe decay: Very severe tooth decay can cause the tooth to be damaged beyond saving and may need to be extracted.

Trauma: If a serious damage occurs to the tooth as a result of an accident or impact, tooth extraction may be inevitable.

Preparation for tooth extraction: For some dental procedures, teeth may need to be extracted. For example, several teeth may need to be extracted during orthodontic treatments.

Periodontal diseases: Periodontal diseases can cause damage to the gum tissue and cause the tooth to lose its support. In this case, tooth extraction may be required.

Common infection: In rare cases, a tooth may become infected and if it does not respond to antibiotic treatment, tooth extraction may be inevitable.

Tooth extraction is usually performed by a dentist or surgeon and is performed under local anesthesia.

Things to Do Before Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth that is decayed, broken, inflamed or cannot be healed for any other reason. There are some precautions that can be taken before tooth extraction:

Consult the dentist: If you are taking any medication before consulting the dentist for tooth extraction, you need to inform your dentist. You should also talk to your doctor if you have any health problems.

Nutrition: It may be necessary to fast for a few hours before the tooth extraction procedure, so it is important not to eat before the procedure. It is also recommended to consume soft foods after the procedure.

Medication use: In some cases, the dentist recommends painkillers or antibiotics before the procedure. It is important to use these medications regularly and follow the doctor’s recommendations after the procedure.

Tools and equipment: The use of many oral care products (antiseptic mouthwash, special brush, dental floss, etc.) that the dentist will give you before the procedure will help you.

Companion: Tooth extraction is usually performed under local anesthesia and there may be a feeling of numbness in the mouth for a while after the procedure. For this reason, it is recommended to have a companion after the procedure.

Smoking and alcohol: It is necessary to stay away from smoking and alcohol before the tooth extraction procedure. Additionally, smoking and alcohol should not be consumed for a while after the procedure.

Post-procedure planning: After the tooth extraction procedure, you should take care of your oral hygiene by following the doctor’s recommendations. After the procedure, you must visit your dentist for a check-up.

Healing Process and Recommendations After Tooth Extraction?

The healing process after tooth extraction often comes with discomfort such as pain, swelling and bleeding. In this process, with proper care and attention, wound healing can be accelerated and the risk of infection can be reduced. Below are some suggestions to consider during the recovery process after tooth extraction:

Bleeding: Bleeding after tooth extraction usually begins within the first few hours. Bleeding can be controlled and slowed. Your dentist recommends sterile gauze to control bleeding. To control bleeding, use sterile gauze for the length of time recommended by your dentist and do not consume food or drink in your mouth to allow any blood clots to form.
Pain: Pain after tooth extraction may continue for 3-4 days. To relieve pain, you can use painkillers recommended by your dentist. Consult your dentist about when to take your medications and what dosage is appropriate.
Cold compress: Swelling after tooth extraction can be reduced by applying cold compresses. When applying a cold compress, use a bag filled with ice water or a towel filled with ice water. Apply for 15-20 minutes and then wait a few hours and repeat later.
Diet: In the first few days after tooth extraction, it is important to consume liquid and soft foods. Avoid hot, spicy or hard foods. Chewing or sucking food can slow healing of the tooth extraction site wound or increase pain.
Oral care: Oral care after tooth extraction is extremely important to prevent infection. Your dentist recommends mouth rinses or an antiseptic mouthwash. Use these solutions as recommended by your dentist and do not touch the tooth extraction area.
Smoking: Smoking can slow healing after tooth extraction and increase the risk of infection. It is better to quit smoking or at least not smoke for a few days after tooth extraction.

Use of Medications: It is important to use painkillers, antibiotics or other medications prescribed by your doctor correctly to reduce pain and swelling after tooth extraction. You must follow the dosage and frequency of your medications exactly and follow your doctor’s instructions.
Healing Process: After tooth extraction, symptoms such as pain, swelling and bleeding are normal. These usually subside on their own within a few days. You should avoid excessive physical activity in the first days after tooth extraction. You should eat and brush your teeth as recommended by your doctor, but you should not touch the tooth extraction area.
Checkup after tooth extraction: You should not neglect the checkups after tooth extraction. Your doctor will tell you when and how often you should come for a check-up. During check-ups, the healing process of the tooth extraction area is monitored and any complications are prevented.

The above recommendations are very important to speed up the healing process and prevent complications after tooth extraction. However, everyone’s recovery process after tooth extraction may be different. Your doctor can give you specific recommendations, so you should always follow your doctor’s instructions.

How to Eat After Tooth Extraction?

Soft foods and liquids should be consumed for at least 24 hours following tooth extraction. At the same time, it should not be forgotten that they should not be hot. Foods that are easy to chew should be preferred for a few days. Cold foods such as yoghurt, jelly, pudding and ice cream may be preferred initially. Applesauce, soup and eggs can also be included in the nutrition program.

Prosthesis and Implant Options After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, prosthesis or implant options to replace tooth loss can be evaluated. These are important for oral health because missing teeth can cause irreversible losses in the jaw bones and cause the surrounding teeth to shift, deteriorate chewing function and aesthetic problems.

The prosthesis option can be used after tooth extraction. However, it may be necessary to wait a few weeks after tooth extraction to use a prosthesis. A denture is a removable set of teeth that can be used to replace missing teeth. Proper cleaning and care of dentures is very important to prevent infections.

The implant option offers a longer-term solution after tooth extraction. An implant is an artificial tooth root that replaces a tooth root and is placed in the jawbone. For implants to be successful, the jawbone must be strong enough and of high quality. The implant option is generally more expensive and the healing process after tooth extraction may be longer.

Which option is appropriate depends on the structure of the mouth after tooth extraction and the patient’s preferences. Our dentist will perform a detailed evaluation to recommend the most suitable option for you.