Impacted Tooth Extraction
ABOUT IMPACTED TOOTH EXTRACTION
Review in general:
An impacted tooth is a tooth that is unable to break through the gum, as there is not enough room in the mouth. If such a case occurs, it is necessary that it is removed.
Before the procedure:
Although this intervention is normally considered safe, it can cause harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream or expose your gum tissue to a risk of infection. Therefore it is possible for your dentist to ask you a number of questions regarding your current health condition and medical history. You may be asked to take antibiotics before and after the procedure, should you have such a condition. Also it is necessary to inform your dentist if you take any medications or supplements you take, including blood thinners, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. You may be asked to cease their intake for a certain amount of time before and after the intervention, as they may cause you to experience excessive bleeding. Also, if you are a smoker, you will be asked to not smoke for a few weeks before and after the procedure.
Other conditions you should inform your doctor about is whether you’ve had a damaged or man-made heart valve, a congenital heart defect, a liver disease, impaired immune system, an artificial joint or a history of bacterial endocarditis.
In some cases it may be necessary for your doctor to apply general anesthesia. If this happens, you will be advised to not eat or drink anything on the night prior to the procedure, as any food may cause you to vomit while asleep.
During the procedure:
First, your doctor will apply the prearranged anesthesia — either local or general. After that your doctor will cut away the gum and bone tissue that cover the tooth.After that, using a forceps, he will grasp your tooth and gently loosen it from the jaw bone. If the tooth is hard to pull, it may be removed in pieces.
Once the tooth has been pulled, normally a blood clot forms in the socket. In order to help stop the bleeding, the dentist will pack a gauze pad into the socket and have you bite down on it. afterwards the dentist will place a few stitches, normally self-dissolving, in order to close the gum edges over the extraction site. If the blood clot in the socket breaks loose, it will expose the bone in the socket. This condition is called dry socked and is normally painful. Should it occur, your dentist will most probably place a sedative dressing over the socket for the next few days in order to protect it, while a new clot forms.
Risks and complications:
Should you experience any signs of infection, such as fever and chills, or feel nauseas, or experience redness, swelling or excessive discharge from the treated area, or if a cough or shortness of breath occur, make sure to call your doctor immediately.
After the procedure:
You will be sent home to recover. Your doctor may prescribe you painkillers. You will be advised to apply an ice bag to the treated area and make sure that you relax for at least about a day. Also, make sure to limit your activity in the next couple of days. You should avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully in the first day, as well as drinking from a straw or smoking. Soft foods will be advised.
To book a procedure, visit Zentist.io.
