Know Things Related to Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is an action to pull a tooth out of the gum. Tooth extraction is usually done on teeth that are problematic and cannot be repaired anymore. Tooth extraction is performed by a dentist, with anesthesia on the patient first, usually local anesthesia. If the teeth are not blocked by the gums, extractions can be done without surgery. Whereas if the crown of a tooth is not visible due to a broken or growing oblique pressure on the tooth next to it (impaction), surgery is needed tooth extraction (odontectomy).

Tooth Extractions Indications

Some dental conditions that generally need to be removed are:

• Cavities that can no longer be repaired.
• Rocking teeth accompanied by infections such as gum infections or tooth abscesses.
• Tooth position that is not normal, can accumulate, uneven or tilted and cause injury to cheek tissue.
• Dental infection.
• Tooth decay due to serious injury.
• Teeth that are in abnormal tissue, such as being in the jawbone fracture line.

Tooth Extraction Warning

Patients with certain conditions should be careful before undergoing tooth extraction. The conditions in question include:

• The tooth to be extracted is located in the area that has undergone radiotherapy.
• The tooth to be extracted is close to a malignant tumor tissue. Tooth extraction in these conditions can increase the risk of spreading the tumor.
• Jaw crack condition.
• Underwent treatment with bisphosphonates, immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids, and chemotherapy drugs.
• Suffering from diabetes, liver disease, end-stage kidney disease, lymphoma, blood cancer, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, and injury to blood vessels in the brain.
• Pregnant first trimester and last trimester.
• Having a fever, nausea or vomiting before pulling a tooth. The doctor will schedule a tooth extraction procedure at a later time.

Tooth Extraction Preparation

The doctor will ask about your medical history and medications that are being consumed. If you are taking blood-thinning drugs, such as aspirin, the doctor will ask the patient to stop it temporarily, so that there is no bleeding after tooth extraction. The doctor will also ask the patient to undergo dental X-ray examination. Keep in mind, you should not smoke before tooth extraction. The doctor will make sure the patient's condition is ready to undergo tooth extraction. Patients will be given antibiotics just before tooth extraction if the patient has an infection, has a weak immune system, or if the tooth extraction procedure is predicted to last a long time. If the patient is restless before the procedure, the doctor can give sedatives. If more than one tooth is extracted, or a tooth impaction occurs, the doctor can give a general anesthetic so that the patient falls asleep during the procedure.

Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction can be done simply or accompanied by surgery. Simple tooth extraction is done if the crown of the tooth to be removed is visible. If the crown is not visible, for example due to impaction, tooth extraction (odontectomy) surgery can be performed. The following are the steps in a simple tooth extraction procedure:

• The dentist will give a local anesthetic through an injection in the nerves around the tooth to be extracted. To reduce pain during an injection, the doctor can apply anesthetic gel to the area to be injected to feel numb, 1-2 minutes before the injection
• After the patient is anesthetized, the doctor will shake the teeth using a lever whose type and size depends on the size and position of the tooth to be extracted. The effect of the anesthetic makes the patient feel no pain, but can still feel like being pressured.
• If the tooth feels loose enough, the doctor will use pliers to pull out the tooth.
• Generally bleeding occurs in the cavity of the tooth, after the patient will be given gauze to be bitten to stop the bleeding. The doctor can also give a few stitches to the gums in the tooth extraction area.

After Tooth Extraction

Patients can go home immediately after tooth extraction, and do treatment at home. The recovery process generally takes several days. To help the recovery process, patients are advised to do the following:

• Bite the cotton stick attached to the gum where the tooth is extracted, to stop bleeding and help the formation of blood clots. Stick cotton for 3-4 hours.
• Compress the gums with ice immediately after the tooth extraction procedure is completed, to reduce swelling. Wrap ice with a small towel or put it in a bag. Do not apply ice directly to the gums or skin.
• Take medications prescribed by your doctor, such as pain medication or antibiotics.
• Eat soft foods, such as yogurt, puddings, soups, or fruits such as avocados and bananas. Avoid hard foods for up to a week after the action.
• Don't use the side of your sore mouth to chew food.
• Do not drink using a straw, at least up to 24 hours after the action, because it will interfere with blood clots in the gums where the teeth are removed, and cause pain and bleeding.
• It is recommended to rest 24 hours after the action and not do strenuous activities.
• Avoid gargling during the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, gargle with warm water mixed with half a teaspoon of salt.
• When brushing your teeth, don't touch the gums where the tooth is pulled out.
• Use a pillow to support the head when lying down.
• Do not smoke, because it can slow down the healing process.
• Avoid touching the affected area with the tongue.

Tooth extraction holes will generally heal in 1-2 weeks. However, it takes longer for the bones and tissue around the teeth to heal. Immediately contact a doctor if there is a fever, pus out of the hole where the tooth is removed, and pain for several hours after the tooth is removed. Patients are also advised to go directly to the doctor if bleeding continues until a few hours after the procedure, dry socket occurs, or experience interference in swallowing.

Tooth Extract Complications

Tooth extractions generally rarely cause complications. Although rare, the following conditions may be experienced by patients undergoing tooth extraction procedures:

• Bleeding.
• Dry socket or loss of blood clots in the tooth extraction holes that cause pain complaints and result in delayed healing. This condition can occur 3-5 days after tooth extraction.
• Injury to the trigeminal nerve. This injury causes numbness of the tongue, lips, chin, gums and teeth. This condition can occur for several weeks or months, it can even become permanent if the injury is classified as severe.
• Infection is characterized by high fever, pus coming out of the hole where the tooth is extracted, and pain and swelling that lasts for a long time.