What is tooth removal?   

Tooth removal, also defined as tooth extraction, is the process of removing a tooth from its attachment to the bone. 

Did you know this is one of the most frequent dental procedures dentists perform? 

No need to panic! Read our tips on tooth extraction to familiarise yourself with the risks. 

Reasons for tooth removal 

Tooth removal is a common dental procedure that is performed for many reasons such as:¹

• Severe infection 
• Deep decay
• Gum diseaserauma
• Limited space in the mouth 
• Orthodontic reasons 
• Complications with wisdom teeth

Preparation 

• The dentist usually carries out a detailed examination and takes the patient's medical history before the extraction
• Patients on certain medications, especially blood thinners, may need to adjust their medication regimen before the procedure to reduce bleeding risks. Many patients take blood-thinner tablets to prevent blood clot formation in their blood vessels. These medications can cause increased bleeding during the extraction procedure
• Local anaesthesia is usually performed to numb the area around the tooth during the tooth removal
• Certain medications might be prescribed to the patient on the day of surgery
• A local anaesthetic numbs the area around the tooth during simple removal
• If the extraction is more complicated, your oral surgeon may give you an intravenous anaesthetic, which can range from conscious sedation to a general anaesthetic that puts you to sleep. You should ensure that someone takes you home after the procedure and stays with you until the anaesthetic has worn off
• Take antibiotics before the procedure.

The patient may need antibiotics if they are at high risk of infective endocarditis. The American Heart Association states that people with certain heart conditions have a higher risk of developing the infection after developing after a dental procedure. This association and the American Dental Association therefore recommend that people with any of the following conditions take antibiotics before a dental procedure to reduce the risk of infection:

• Heart valve repair with prosthetic material.
• Prosthetic cardiac valve
• Heart transplantation for structural anomalies of the heart valve
• Certain congenital heart diseases 
• A history of infective endocarditis

The procedures of tooth extraction^1,2

There are two types of tooth removal-

• Simple tooth removal: is when the tooth is visible above the gums and can be removed in one piece
• Surgical tooth removal: This more complex procedure is often necessary for severely broken teeth at or below the gumline. A small incision or cut can be placed in the gum to allow access to the tooth or root

Tips after tooth removal²

After the extraction, following your dentist's instructions carefully to promote healing and prevent infection is important. This includes:

General tips 

• Keep the extraction site clean
• Apply some pressure with sterilised gauze and ice packs to control the bleeding
• Avoid smoking
• Clean your teeth close to the extraction site
• You should expect pain and discomfort following tooth extraction.

Specific tips 

• Take the prescribed antibiotics or painkillers
• Place an ice pack on the cheek to reduce the area of swelling
• Limit strenuous activity
• You should avoid hot liquids to avoid any complications
• Expect discomfort within three days to two weeks
• If you notice severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, speak to your dentist or oral surgeon immediately
• A dental surgeon can usually control the bleeding at the extraction site by the following measures:
  • Topical application of clotting medication to the gum
  • Cover the tooth cavity with foam or dissolvable gauze
  • Suture the extraction site
  • We recommend using gauze and applying pressure after the procedure can also help stop the bleeding

 However, if you are under blood thinners medications, you should tell your dentist during your consultation or before a tooth extraction.²

Summary 

Overall, Tooth extraction is a common and relatively uncomplicated procedure typically performed by a trained dentist or oral surgeon. Patients should follow their dentist's instructions carefully to promote healing and prevent infection and other complications.