Dental extractions are a common procedure that many people undergo at some point in their lives. Despite being common, dental extractions can still be a source of anxiety for some people. This blog post answers some frequently asked questions about dental extractions to help put your mind at ease.
What is a dental extraction?
A dental extraction is a procedure in which a tooth is removed from the mouth. The two types of dental extractions are known as simple and surgical. Simple extractions are performed on teeth that can be seen above the gum line and do not require gum tissue cutting or bone removal. Surgical extractions are performed on teeth that are not visible above the gum line or that are impacted (stuck in the jawbone). Impacted teeth may require cutting of the gum tissue and removal of bone before the tooth can be extracted.
How are dental extractions performed?
A dentist or oral surgeon performs dental extractions. The first thing they will do is numb the area around the tooth using local anaesthesia. Once numbed, the dentist or oral surgeon will start to loosen the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. Once loose, the tooth will be removed with forceps. If there is significant crowding, impacted teeth or other complicating factors, your dentist or oral surgeon may need to make an incision in your gum to expose more of the tooth prior to removing it.
Will I feel any pain during or after a dental extraction?
Many patients worry about feeling pain during their dental procedures. However, you will be numbed from the local anaesthesia and should not feel any pain during your extraction. You may feel a little bit of discomfort after the procedure as the anaesthesia's numbness wears off and your mouth heals from the extraction site. Your dentist or oral surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help relieve any discomfort you may experience. It is important to take this medication as prescribed and to follow all aftercare instructions to ensure a speedy and comfortable recovery.
Conclusion
Dental extractions are a very common procedure that many people will undergo at some point in their lives. If you have been scheduled for a dental extraction, hopefully this blog post has helped answer some of your questions and ease any anxiety you may have been feeling about the procedure. If you would like to find out more, contact your dentist today. They will be happy to answer any other questions you may have about this procedure.
Share22 November 2022
Miranda Raff here. My brother is a stressed-out dental student, so I'm starting this blog on his behalf. I work in a travel agency and my brother is mortified by the number of dental tourism stories I bring home. I book short holidays for people who seem as though they are going to enjoy some relaxation in an exotic country, only to learn that they plan to have cheap dental procedures. Whilst there are good dentists in developing countries, according to my brother, the complex procedures these people plan to have simply can't be finished in such a limited time. This blog is an attempt to inform you about the high skill levels and advanced technology found in Australian dental surgeries. New techniques are being developed every year and Australian dentists are at the forefront of offering these solutions. I really hope this blog helps you to appreciate our dentists.
