Having teeth extracted
No one likes to go to the dentist to have an extraction, but unfortunately in some cases it just cannot be avoided. Sometimes people need to have extractions, because a tooth is just too far beyond repair. In other cases someone might only be having an extraction, because they have lost the majority of their teeth already and they have decided to get dentures. Some people may have extraction to extract unnecessary teeth, such as a wisdom tooth. In many cases people will have a tooth extracted because it is just too expensive for them to repair the tooth.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
In most cases the dentist will follow the same procedure to extract a tooth. First he will numb the area using an anaesthesia such as Novocain or Lidocane. Usually the dentist will slightly numb the gums before he gives an injection of the anesthesia. He does this using a topical ointment that is applied to the gums with a cotton swab. This anesthesia will numb the tooth, the jaw bone and the gums surrounding the area.
Most people are uncomfortable when the dentist gives an injection in the mouth. The best thing that you can do is take big deep breaths through your nose. This will help your body to relax. Listen to the dentist or his assistant during the shot and they will be able to talk you through it. Remember that they do this every day and you are not the only that has been scared.
A good piece of advice is to arrange a hand signal if you want the dentist to pause and allow you to recover some composure. Knowing that you can stop the procedure at any time can give you a sense of control and help you overcome your fears.
Once you are numb the dentist will begin the procedure of extracting the teeth this is done using a pair of extraction forceps and an elevator. You can expect to feel pressure on your tooth and hear some cracking noises as the dentist works to get the tooth out. The dentist’s assistant is going to be at your side as well. He or she will be making sure that the area is kept clear so the dentist can see. The assistant will us a suction tube to do this and you may occasionally feel her rinse your tooth with water to clear any blood that might be on the tooth.
Once the tooth is out your dentist will apply some pressure to the area with some gauze. He will most likely have you bite down on this to hold it in place until the bleeding stops. Then he will give you a set of instructions to care for the area once you return home.
Your dentist will probably give you a packet of sterile gauze. He will advise you to keep the area clean, but not to brush or rinse the area in a rough manner. This is because you don’t what to dislodge the blood clot that will form in the tooth socket. This blood clot is an important part of the healing process. Your dentist will probably prescribe you some medication for the pain. He will also advise you not to smoke or drink through a straw to avoid getting dry sockets.
Dry sockets occur when the blood clot gets displaced or if the clot never forms in the first place. If this happens you will feel a slight throbbing pain at the extraction site. Should this happen to you, you should call your dentist immediately.
Remember that this article is just to give you an idea of the extraction process. You should always follow your dentist’s instructions for the care of your extraction site. This article is not meant to replace those instructions, but to give you a better understanding of what to expect when you go to the dentist to have an extraction. It is also not meant as a guide to DIY dentistry!
Sedated Extraction
If you are very nervous you can opt for a sedated extraction. I can still remember the smell of the mask as it went on to my face as a young child - shudder. Things have moved on though and there are several types that can be considered. The anaesthetic is given either orally, nasally or intravenously. Modern techniques can mean the patient is still conscious during the procedure but completely unaware of the extraction taken place. This can mean a faster post op recovery although you will not be able to drive home straight away!
Cost of Tooth Extraction
On the NHS extractions should be covered by the £44.6 (Band 2) band. Privately it can vary, of course, but could cost £100 per tooth
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"very helpful, well written"
ma
"Excellent article! Thank you. Clear and concise."
ML
"had tooth extraction at kings college 3 injections to start then another two coz still felt the pain got stabbed in the lip on 5th injection 3 days later eye twinging face swollen up to the eye and bleeding through nose....is this normal"
d edwards
"Thank you, this page helped me prepare for what I may experience."
Tamara