Tooth extraction

In modern dentistry tooth extraction is a relatively routine and simple procedure. Thanks to an experienced professional during the procedure only minimal discomfort will be experienced.

The most common reasons to have a tooth removed:

• severe tooth decay;
• periodontal diseases;
• a fractured tooth;
• treatment of the malocclusion;
• the necessity to remove wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth removal

Potential risks caused by wisdom teeth

More and more often wisdom teeth fail to erupt or only partially emerge and come in crooked, which leads to painful crowding and disease. In this case the extraction of such wisdom teeth is recommended as they may cause the following conditions:

• crowding of the other teeth, particularly the front ones;
• dissolution of the adjacent tooth root;
• temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain or discomfort.

Wisdom teeth removal

Extraction of impacted wisdom teeth is mostly performed under a local or general anaesthesia. Before the procedure an X-ray is done (if needed, a CT scan — a digital radiographic test — may be carried out too) in order to assess the surrounding anatomical structures and the condition of the teeth as well as the position of the roots. Such diagnostics allows the doctor to thoroughly plan the operation and assess the risks during or after the procedure and keep the patient informed.

After the procedure there remains a wound in the place of the extracted tooth, which may bleed for the first 24 hours. Bruising or swelling may appear on the cheek as well, you may feel pain, and your ability to open your mouth may be limited. Therefore, before the operation your dentist will inform you what to do in case of pain, how to stop bleeding or swelling. Discomfort after the removal of wisdom teeth should lessen within 3-4 days, then the swelling goes away and you will feel significantly better. Within 3–4 weeks the gums will heal completely.

In order to speed up the healing process a PRF procedure (treatment applying platelet rich fibrin) may be suggested to our patients at Dental Harmony. As bacteria and other contaminants are usually free to pour down into the extraction site, PRF, which is placed there, protects it from infection and accelerates healing.

Accelerated healing with PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin)

For a few decades platelet rich fibrin (PRF) has been known and used as a natural wound healing biomaterial and tissue regeneration enhancer in many clinical applications worldwide.

What are the benefits of  PRF?

• enhanced and accelerated healing;
• reduced risks of inflammation, infection and complications.
• reduced swelling;

This treatment method is highly recommended for those patients who:

• have a weak immune system;
• suffer from certain acute or chronic medical conditions;
• are smokers;
• are taking medicines which may hinder the coagulation/ healing process.

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Tooth extraction aftercare

• Bleeding. It is natural to expect a certain amount of bleeding after the extraction and as a result the saliva turns reddish. Your dentist will ask you to keep a gauze pad over the extraction site for 30 minutes to stop bleeding while clotting takes place. Keep swallowing the saliva. If the bleeding does not stop, have the gauze pad replaced and repeat the procedure until the bleeding ultimately stops.

• Swelling. It is common and normal for some degree of swelling to occur after having a tooth pulled out. In order to minimise swelling, bruising or any discomfort, a special ice pack or an ice pack wrapped in a towel is applied on the outside of your face over the area where your surgery was performed, starting immediately after the procedure (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off). It should be kept with pauses there for a few hours.

• Heat. The first 24 hours after the extraction do not consume hot food or hot drinks; do not take a hot bath. You should also stay away from vigorous sports activities and hard physical work, especially while bending. Do not heat that side of the face.

• Smoking and alcohol. People who smoke tend to experience a higher level of complications with extraction site healing. That means you should avoid smoking for at least a few hours. Do not consume alcoholic drinks during the next 24 hours.

• Rinsing. Do not rinse your mouth the first 24 hours after the extraction. You can slowly drink lukewarm drinks; however, avoid excessive spitting so as to prevent the blood clot from dislodging. The next day begin gently rinsing your mouth with a diluted mouthwash. Continue doing it for one week.

• Food. The first 24 hours eat easy, soft, but not hot foods. Besides, chew the food with other side of your mouth to avoid dislodging the blood clot.
• Pain. To reduce the pain, use a pain killer which is not a blood thinner.

• Hygiene. Proper oral hygiene will speed up the healing process. The first days after the surgery be careful so as not to touch the extraction site and stitches. Brush your teeth gently, use mouthwash more frequently.

• Stitches/sutures. There are generally two kinds of suturing material that dentists use. The difference between them is that one type “resorbs” (dissolves away) and  the other doesn’t. If the wound was stitched using dissolvable stitches, it is not necessary to have them removed. However, an appointment is usually scheduled somewhere between 7 to 10 days after the extraction to take them out as they may accumulate plaque and cause discomfort in your mouth.
• Complications. Under normal circumstances, discomfort should lessen within a few days. However, if instead of recovering, you start feeling worse (prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, pain while swallowing or opening your mouth), call the clinic immediately at +370 527 22211 or +370 610 11222.