Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction

Today, thanks to the contributions of scientific and technological advancements to dental science, the primary goal is to treat and preserve the tooth in the mouth. However, in some cases, tooth extraction becomes necessary to protect the patient’s health or due to treatment planning. These situations include:

Teeth that cannot be saved due to extensive decay and material loss,
Teeth that are broken beyond repair due to trauma,
Abscessed teeth that cannot be saved despite root canal treatment,
Loose teeth caused by advanced gum disease,
Primary (baby) teeth that have not fallen out in time,
Teeth causing problems due to extreme positional changes (e.g., rotation, tipping),
Teeth located within cysts or tumors,
Impacted teeth (that have not fully erupted) that are causing issues…

Additionally, in some cases, healthy teeth may be extracted to assist in orthodontic treatment when there is a lack of space.

Force and Tooth Extraction

A certain amount of force is naturally applied during an extraction. However, extraction tools are designed to multiply the force applied by the dentist several times. Therefore, excessive force can cause negative outcomes. Tooth extraction is more of a procedure requiring technical knowledge and skill. It should be noted that many oral surgeons are women.

Overcoming the Fear of Tooth Extraction

In special cases where it’s clear that the fear of extraction cannot be alleviated, the procedure can be done under general anesthesia. However, in most cases, the dialogue and approach between the patient and dentist make this unnecessary. The focus should be on the damage and pain caused by the tooth, emphasizing the necessity of its removal. Once effective anesthesia is provided, the patient may only feel pressure and hear slight cracking sounds as the tooth is loosened. There should be no pain. Often, people exaggerate these sensations to scare others. Such misleading suggestions should be ignored, and any concerns should be addressed directly with the dentist.

Possible Complications During Tooth Extraction

Tooth fracture during extraction may occur in the following cases:

In large molars with multiple, widely separated or curved roots,
In elderly patients where the bone has lost its elasticity,
In individuals with thick, rigid jaw bones,
In teeth with severe material loss that are fragile and have little structure left to grip.

This is not a cause for alarm. If anesthesia has been successfully administered, the dentist can remove the remaining parts painlessly using specially designed instruments.

Post-Extraction Care Instructions

The gauze placed over the extraction site should be kept for about 30 minutes.
Once removed, do not place another gauze unless necessary, and protect the blood clot that forms.
Do not rinse the mouth with water.
Do not eat or drink for two hours after the extraction; afterward, consume only lukewarm foods and avoid very hot or cold items.
Avoid smoking for 24 hours. Smoking can disrupt the clot and cause infection at the extraction site, leading to a painful condition called “dry socket.”
Do not consume alcohol for 24 hours.
Do not touch the extraction site or suck on the wound.
Avoid using the affected side of the mouth for 24 hours.
If pain occurs, choose a medication other than aspirin and consult your dentist if possible.
Keep the extraction site clean and prevent food debris from entering the wound.
After 24 hours, gently brush the area with a soft toothbrush. You may also use a warm saltwater rinse.
A mild oozing of blood lasting 6–24 hours is considered normal. However, if bleeding is heavy or continues beyond this period, consult your dentist.
Likewise, prolonged pain or swelling should be reported to the dentist.

What to Do After the Wound Heals

Depending on the case, a bridge, denture, or implant should be placed in the gap left by the extracted tooth. Missing teeth can lead to digestive problems and cause neighboring teeth to shift (tilting, tipping, etc.), resulting in chewing issues.

Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth is one that remains embedded in the bone due to dense jawbone, thick gum tissue, narrow dental arch, early loss of baby teeth, or certain medical conditions. If these teeth cause abscesses, pain, are associated with a cyst or tumor, cause decay in adjacent teeth, or weaken the jawbone enough to risk fracture due to their size and position, they should be extracted.