TOOTH EXTRACTION

Definition

The removal of a tooth or part thereof from the mandible or maxilla. An ideal extraction requires the painless removal of a tooth or associated fragment with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. It should only be carried out after a thorough examination of the patient has been undertaken.

INDICATIONS

Caries damage to the tooth. (Depending on the extent and location thereof)
Impaction of a tooth.
Advanced periodontal disease.
Prolonged retention of a primary tooth. (If permanent tooth is present)
Orthodontic treatment. (To create space)
Malposition of a tooth. (Tooth blocked out of the arch or erupting in a buccal or lingual position or over eruption of a tooth)
Trauma to a tooth (Fracture) or in the vicinity of a tooth e.g. with a mandible fracture.
Erosion, abrasion, attrition and hypoplasia lesions of a tooth.
Prophylactic.(Imminent Radiotherapy of head and neck area / Bisphosphonate treatment).
Supernumerary (extra) tooth.
Peri-apical infection.
Tooth in the area of a tumour or cyst.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE & INSTRUCTIONS

Rinse the mouth with sterile water only once after extraction if necessary.
If bleeding continues at home – use a wet tea bag (except Rooibos tea bag) to bite on to apply pressure
- Apply for 15-20 minutes
- If bleeding continues return to us.
No hot liquids until the anaesthetic wears off (2-3 hours).
Chew food on the opposite side of the mouth.
Do not disturb the blood clot with your tongue or a foreign object.
No rinsing or gargling over the extraction site for 24 hours.
Hold lukewarm salt water on the extraction site after 24 hours, no rigorous rinsing. (This can be done 3 times per day)
No alcohol or smoking for 3 days
If pain worsens after 2-3 days consult the dentist (Possible dry socket).
If possible antro-oral opening is present, no nose blowing (the dentist will inform you when this is necessary).
No eating before the anaesthetic wears off and parents should watch their children for biting or sucking of lips or tongue while anaesthetic is still active.
Consult the dentist if anything feels wrong post operatively.

For Surgical Extractions, please read the following Post-operative Care & Instructions:

Apply pressure pack to control bleeding (wet cotton wool/gauze for 10-30 min).
Ice pack to control swelling (20 min on & 20 min off for ±24 hours).
Use your medication as prescribed by the dentist.
No smoking, gargling, drinking with a straw or drinking hot liquid for 24 hours.
Follow a soft diet for 1-2 days. Try not to disturb the socket with your tongue or any foreign object.
Avoid strenuous exercises for 24 hours.
Use warm water & salt to gargle over wound for 1-3 days.
Heat packs after 24 hours replace cold packs. This will help with the healing and can be used for 1-2 days.
Suture removal after 7-14 days, only if non-absorbable sutures are used.