It’s an old saying, but if we get into the serious nature of pulling teeth there are some interesting views to read.
As you might expect, this isn’t a two-minute procedure. There’s a whole host of information to dissect and whether you go to Limerick dentists or ones at the other side of the country, the advice stays the same.
We’ll now take a look at how you should approach pulling teeth and what you need to take into account to make it as painless as possible.
Who may require a tooth extraction?
While most people are under the assumption that a tooth extraction should only be carried out if you have suffered some damage in your mouth, this isn’t necessarily the case.
In truth, the options are endless and we could pen a dissertation mulling over each of them. To give something of an idea of how varied the reasons might be, you might require an extraction if you are receiving radiation to your head or neck area and there are teeth which have blocked the field of radiation. Alternatively, someone suffering from cancer has more chance of developing infected teeth due to the drugs that are used and an extraction may have to be performed as a result of this.
Therefore, pulling teeth can happen for a whole host of reasons – many which are never even envisaged.
What preparation is performed?
As we’ve already said numerous times already, a tooth extraction is anything but a simple procedure. Admittedly, the process has become much quicker over recent years, but you will still need to start with an X-ray to help the dentist devise an efficient way to remove the tooth. If the tooth which is being removed is of the wisdom variety, you may need to take advantage of a panoramic X-ray to provide the dentist with an even clearer view.
Generally, you will be provided with a form of antibiotics before the surgery, as well as being given anaesthesia. Depending on the severity of the extraction, this might be either general anaesthesia or conscious sedation.
Your dentist will also advise you not to eat or drink anything for up to eight hours before the scheduled start of your appointment.
How will a dentist carry out an extraction?
To make matters slightly more confusing, there isn’t just one type of extraction.
A dentist has two options available, although the choice generally revolves on the type of tooth that is being extracted. For example, if you are experiencing a ‘simple extraction’, this will only occur on teeth which are clearly visible in the mouth. This will just involve the dentist loosening the tooth with an elevator, before using forceps to fully remove it.
The more complex extraction is a surgical one. These will usually be advised if your tooth has not yet come into your mouth, or if it has broken off on the gum line. It will involve a small incision being made in your gum, before the tooth is removed. From time to time the bone may also have to be cut to make the extraction easier.