Tooth extractions

The basic procedure of dental surgery is extractions (i.e., removal) of teeth. Although the rapid development of dentistry in recent years has made dental diseases increasingly manageable through, among other things, modern methods of tissue restoration, there are still situations in which the pathological process is so advanced that there are no means to use the tooth for further treatment. These include, in particular:

• very deep carious cavities that destroy most of the tooth tissues below the bone,
• untreatable periapical tissue diseases,
• periodontal diseases that cause significant bone loss around the tooth root.

In such situations, the doctor may qualify the tooth for extraction.

What does a tooth extraction involve?

Under local anesthesia, the surgeon cuts the circular ligament surrounding the tooth, then uses special levers to dislocate the tooth. The final stage is the removal of the tooth from the alveolus in a non-accidental manner, involving the extraction movements specified for each tooth. This is done in order to remove the tooth as atraumatically as possible. The final step is to secure the alveolus in a way that protects against infection and ensures proper bone healing conditions, which is especially important for planned implants in place of a lost tooth. The doctor uses a number of techniques and materials, which are referred to as "socket preservation" and "ridge preservation." The protocols for dealing with various situations allow the bone to be preserved in sufficient quantity and quality to allow subsequent implant placement.

Recommendations after tooth extraction

In order for the wound after tooth extraction to heal properly, a sterile dressing in the form of a tampon should be changed every 15-20 minutes. For two days, it is recommended to eat cool, soft meals and avoid drinking beverages through a straw. When brushing teeth, avoid the alveolus and do not rinse the mouth for 24 hours. Then start gently rinsing with a special preparation or cool sage infusion, taking care not to flush the clot out of the alveolus. To prevent swelling, cold compresses can be applied. If necessary, painkillers can be used.