Tooth extraction is the process of removal of one or more teeth from the jawbone when it is found to cause discomfort to the patient. The tooth is pulled out from the jawbone with the help of elevators and forceps. This is a simple tooth extraction.

For complex issues, the surgical method is used for extraction. The procedure can go wrong if the dentist is not skilled or if there are other underlying factors that can cause complications. Therefore, it is important to approach a skilled dentist for tooth extraction.

The biggest advantage of having your tooth pulled is that the other teeth are prevented from getting infected and thus most of the teeth are preserved while only a single tooth is pulled out.

It begins with the administration of local anaesthesia. It is administered in the gumline area near the tooth which is to be extracted. Then the tooth is made to loosen from its socket with the help of specialized dental tools. The tooth will be lifted gently. If the tooth has decayed or is broken, small incisions are made in the gumline for easier extraction.

Once the tooth is completely removed, the bone socket and the gumline area are disinfected with the help of an antiseptic solution. To prevent deterioration of the jawbone, bone grafting may also be performed. The procedure is completed here.

The dentist will then stitch the incision or the wound with sutures. A sterile gauze is fastened on this wound to stop bleeding and promote healing. Light bleeding is expected from the wound within the first 24 hours after the procedure, but the patient doesn’t need to get alarmed.

Some side effects of this procedure may occur within the first few days of the procedure. You may experience some swelling and pain in the area. Your dentist will prescribe medications to manage this. Gum soreness is also expected after the procedure. The patient is supposed to avoid eating hard or crunchy foods and beverages that may be too hot or cold. Foods like yogurt, porridge, soft fruits, etc. are advised for the patient as these are soft and nutritious and will promote faster healing.

Let us try to understand what complications can arise during a tooth extraction procedure.

Unsuccessful anaesthesia administration

Before beginning the tooth extraction procedure, the patient is administered local anaesthesia to prevent feeling any pain or discomfort. The patient, however, remains awake during the procedure.

When this anaesthesia does not provide numbing effect to the region of administration, that may indicate there is a fault in administration. This could be administration from odd angles, speed of injecting the solution, or administration of anaesthesia to the wrong location.

Also, it is possible to penetrate the tissue more than required to administer the aesthetic. In such cases, the anaesthesia should be given by the intravenous (IV) route. Intra ligamental route is also suggested if there is any issue with direct injection of the anaesthesia into the site of operation.

Medical conditions

Tooth extraction is a complex procedure. If the patient is experiencing any other dental or medical conditions, it could certainly affect the procedure. This is the primary reason why the patient is asked about their detailed medical history.

If the patient is suffering from a chronic disease, say diabetes, the dentist will have to maintain certain precautions during performing the treatment. A diabetic patient takes longer to heal from surgical procedures like tooth extraction as opposed to a healthy individual.

Certain medications are also avoided in such cases where the patient is suffering from a chronic disease. This is done to prevent adverse reactions and allergies.

Patient cooperation

During complex procedures like teeth extraction, patient cooperation is expected. If the patient cannot provide accurate information about the medical condition of the teeth, there is a possibility the procedure may go wrong.

If the dentist is properly informed about any chronic or other disorders of the mouth or the whole body, the dentist will maintain precautions and will perform the procedure with utmost care.

Tooth extraction may damage nearby teeth

During extraction, the dentist will apply a little pressure to remove the teeth from their bone socket, this may damage nearby teeth. Also, it is possible the dentist may remove the wrong tooth if there is no proper examination of the teeth. However, such cases are very rare.

What is more common, is damage to the teeth adjacent to the affected one. These teeth may become fractured or lost during extraction. The risk of such damage increases if proper equipment is not used.

Tooth loss

During extraction, the tooth may be cut into small pieces so extraction becomes easier. However, if any of the pieces are left behind in the mouth, it can cause harm to the patient.

The little pieces may get lost in the mouth or could be stuck under other teeth. This causes pain and discomfort to the patient as well as difficulty in chewing and speaking. The problem becomes severe when the patient accidentally swallows the tooth and the airways are blocked.

Tooth extraction may damage nerves

Nerves are the most sensitive part of the tooth. If these are damaged, the tooth slowly starts rotting. During a tooth extraction, it is possible to damage the nerve, if the tooth is pulled very harshly or with extreme force.

Injections intended for administering anaesthesia can also hurt delicate nerves. Gentle administration is performed by the dentist and the patient is already informed about this so the procedure does not come as shock and the patient remains calm, hence keeping the nervous system regulated and the nerves protected from shock this way.

Tooth extraction may cause trauma to the tissue

Gum tissue is very delicate and can be easily damaged if the procedure is not performed with care. Permanent and deep wounds are also possible if the incision is not stitched back properly. Also, if the patient is suffering from chronic disease, healing of the tissue becomes very difficult. It is also possible for the gum tissue to be ripped apart if the forceps are used harshly.

However, all of these issues can be avoided if you visit a skilled an experienced dentist for tooth extraction. So if you are suffering from toothache or any dental problem, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your nearest experienced dentist.

The dental health of a person depends on the lifestyle followed by the person, his/her genetics, continued medication, trauma to the oral region and many other factors. Dental or oral health also depends on the condition of the teeth that are already present in the mouth. If there is even a single tooth that is infected or decayed, it can affect oral health adversely.

If you suspect that there is a problem with your teeth, consult a dentist immediately. After the consultation, your dentist will suggest tooth extraction if needed.

There are many situations where a tooth extraction will improve oral health. Teeth play an important role in the overall health of the person, but if a tooth is causing problems, then the dentist will recommend its removal. This will be followed by a tooth replacement procedure to support the oral and dental health of the person.

Tooth extraction promotes oral health

So, let’s now look at how tooth extraction improves oral health.

Ending infection

Infection in the teeth is quite common and if it is not checked, there are great chances of infection/decay spreading from one tooth to another.

Even with regular oral hygiene, the infection might go unnoticed and can lead to this spreading. When the infection spreads from one tooth to another, the oral health gets compromised. When consultation is done at this stage where there are chances of tooth infection spreading from one tooth to another, dentists will suggest a tooth extraction. This will help stop the infection and prevent the dental cavity from spreading.

Healthier teeth

If there is a misalignment in the teeth, it can result in overcrowding of teeth. Teeth get pushed against each other and they overlap one another. These spaces can easily trap food particles between them and create difficulty in cleaning. Due to less than perfect oral hygiene, other dental problems can also occur.

In situations like this, dentists will suggest tooth extraction to correct the alignment. The ‘extra tooth’ will be removed and the remaining teeth will be able to occupy their position in the mouth. Cleaning of the tooth will be easier and the overcrowding of teeth will not be an issue anymore. Tooth extraction will lead to a healthier and cleaner oral region.

End to pain caused by trauma

Trauma to the mouth often results in an oral region suffering immense pain. This can be due to the pressure suffered to the mouth or due to the tooth coming out loose due to the trauma suffered. When emergency dentists examine people who have suffered these conditions, they will suggest removing the tooth to remove the pain and save oral health. The tooth cannot be saved at this point and dentists will suggest removing the tooth and providing a replacement tooth to support the oral health of the person.

Gum diseases

The gum lining may get infected due to unchecked plaque or tartar formation in the teeth. When deposits of plaque remain in the tooth ends, the gum lining also gets affected. They get irritated and inflamed, due to the infection. When the infection is unchecked, it can even lead to the formation of pockets at the base of the tooth. This results in the infection progressing unchecked and the tooth coming out loose as they have lost the support from the infected gum lining. In these situations, along with treating the gum lining, the dentist will also recommend removing the tooth and replacing them so that the infection does not spread further.

Process of tooth extraction

Before the tooth extraction is conducted, the dentist will assess the oral/dental condition of the patient. X-rays will be used to understand the condition of the affected tooth and also the neighbouring areas. The extent of bone damage and interior cell damage will be assessed by the different examinations. Usually, the tooth extraction is conducted under anaesthesia. The dentist will give local anaesthesia to numb the area of tooth extraction. With the use of specialised tools, the damaged/infected tooth is removed.

After the tooth is removed, the tooth socket will be cleaned and disinfected. This will help in preventing further damage to the neighbouring teeth and the infection is contained with this procedure. Dentists will then proceed to place a gauze over the area and ask the patient to apply pressure to help in the clot formation. This will help to hasten the healing process at the site of the tooth extraction. There will be slight bleeding at the area of extraction but this will soon stop and healing will commence.

After tooth extractions, dentists will provide guidance on the do’s and don’ts for easier pain management and healing. They will give analgesics and antibiotics to treat the pain and infection. It is important to follow the guidance given by the dentists as otherwise proper recovery will not take place.

Many of us have grown up with jokes around wisdom teeth. We have heard things like with wisdom teeth you will get some wisdom making you a real adult. As we all know, wisdom teeth do not make us any smarter or bring wisdom. They are called wisdom teeth because they erupt after you have entered adulthood, between the ages of 17 to 21 years or your wisdom years. These teeth are right at the end of your teeth, at back. You get one wisdom tooth each at the end of both sides, upper and lower, 4 in all, which will make a complete set of 32 teeth in the mouth.

Wisdom teeth fall in the category of molars, the very tough and very wide teeth, that grow during the life span of human development, designed for eating raw meats, roots and vegetables. But as evolution took place, they may not be crucial for chewing purposes and as the time passed, they have become obsolete. Today, due to advances in dental care and hygiene, they may not be very purposeful since our molars are enough to care of our needs for chewing, and they may hinder the working of other teeth in the mouth. They may not appear at all in some adults, which is explained as our changed jawlines in people due to changes in diet.

Wisdom teeth are the ones which have maximum numbers of issues when they erupt and even after they have come through. Millions of wisdom teeth are extracted every year all over the world. The main cause being lesser space available on the gum for them to be accommodated.

When do dentists see no need to pull out wisdom teeth?

Most people who need to get wisdom teeth extracted fall between ages 16 to 25. Very few people after 30 face issues with wisdom teeth unless they are related to problems other than growth of wisdom teeth. Many dentists advise removal of wisdom teeth because of the potential problems they can create after they have erupted, including, cyst around the tooth, damage to nearby teeth and roots and bacterial growth due to unreachability for cleanliness. But not all dentists agree to taking out teeth which are healthy and do not cause any problems, or seem to be able to cause problems in near future. The see no need to pull out wisdom teeth if they are:

Fully erupted, and healthy, and are well positioned, have a correct bite with the opposite set of teeth, (upper or lower), and when you are able to reach them for brushing and flossing.

When is the need to get your wisdom teeth get extracted?

There are many reasons when you have to decide to get the wisdom teeth extracted with the consultation of your dentist of course. Since the wisdom teeth are wider than other molars, they require more space to emerge from the gums and also to settle on the available space along with other molars. Many wisdom teeth grow and come out partially, or grow horizontally under the jawline and emerge sideways on the gums.

There are signs that will indicate to you the need to get the wisdom teeth extracted, which include the following.

Discomfort at the back of your mouth

The first signal you get for the trouble with your wisdom tooth is the pain or sensitivity right at the back of your mouth which you will not be able to pinpoint at the exact location, but will eventually understand to be in the wisdom tooth. It may start to pain even while you are not doing anything. It may pain while eating or brushing and cleaning your teeth and progress to throbbing sensation. This is a clear indication to see your dentist about this and get it checked.

Painful jaws

When the wisdom teeth that are growing sideways, start pushing other teeth in the line, your jaws will start paining. This pain sometimes grows into agonised movement of your mouth. Opening your mouth brings on hurt. The soreness of mouth is a clear indication to see your dentist about the wisdom teeth extraction.

Swollen tissues around the wisdom tooth

Many people experience inflammation and redness in the gums around the wisdom tooth while it is erupting. It may pain while brushing, and the whole area feels sore.

Development of cysts in the mouth

After a while, when problems with the teeth are not solved, it allows cysts to grow in the mouth (which are fluid filled bags). Cysts can impact the roots of neighbouring teeth resulting in severe pain.

Sinus issues

Sinuses are empty spaces located near the nose and below the eyes which get affected by the problems in the upper jaw. When jaws are inflamed, the sinuses get cramped and may result in congestion, pressure or pain in the sinuses. Pain above the jaws and even next to the nose area is a sign of trouble in the teeth.

Mis alignment in the molars

When you find the neighbouring teeth getting shifted which will be painful, you will need to get the wisdom tooth extracted because it will push the teeth out of alignment which will create further damage.

Bad breadth

When the wisdom tooth is growing in any way that is different from normal, it will be difficult to clean the impacted area because of the pain or because you cannot reach there. This will lead to plaque. When plaque is not cleaned, it will end in growth of sulphur producing bacteria which gives a bad odour to your breadth, and a bad taste in your mouth.

Decay in the teeth and gums

Once there is bacteria in the mouth, it will result in creating cavities in the adjacent teeth.  Bacteria may enter the pockets which have been created by the cysts or by improperly placed wisdom tooth. These pockets will allow bacterial growth and end up in making the gums diseased.

Is it advisable to undergo tooth extraction if you are diabetic?

Teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but sadly that is not always the case. Teeth may be lost or require extraction for various reasons such as tooth decay, gum disease, trauma, improper alignment, or overcrowding. While tooth extractions are a common dental procedure, the decision becomes more complex when the patient is diabetic. Let’s explore the considerations, risks, and best practices for tooth extraction in diabetic patients.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is a chronic condition characterised by high blood sugar levels. It occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or when the body becomes resistant to insulin (type 2 diabetes). Insulin is a crucial hormone that helps convert excess sugar in the blood into glucose, which is stored and used for energy. Without proper insulin function, blood sugar levels rise, leading to potential complications.

Common Symptoms of Diabetes:
• Increased thirst and hunger.
• Fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
• Slow healing of wounds due to impaired circulation.
• Nerve damage, kidney issues, and other systemic problems over time.

Tooth Extraction and Diabetes: What You Need to Know

Why Diabetes Affects Dental Health:
High blood sugar levels create an environment where bacteria thrive, particularly in the mouth. Diabetic patients are more prone to:

• Tooth decay: Excess sugar allows bacteria to erode enamel, leading to cavities.
• Gum disease: The infection weakens gum tissues, reducing tooth support.
• Slow healing:Reduced blood flow impairs the body’s ability to heal wounds efficiently.

Risks Associated with Tooth Extraction in Diabetics:
1. Slow Wound Healing: High blood sugar impairs blood clotting and delays the healing process.
2. Infection Risk: Reduced circulation and immune function make it easier for infections to take hold after surgery.
3. Bleeding: Uncontrolled diabetes may prolong bleeding post-extraction.

Preparing for Tooth Extraction as a Diabetic

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a safe and successful procedure.
1. Inform Your Dentist:
Always disclose your diabetic condition during the medical history discussion. This helps the dentist plan appropriately and take necessary precautions.
2. Blood Sugar Monitoring:
• Ensure your blood sugar levels are stable before the procedure. Most dentists prefer blood sugar levels below 234mg/dL (13mmol/L) to minimise risks.
• If your levels are high, the extraction may need to be postponed until stabilisation is achieved.
3.Medication Management:
• Follow your doctor’s advice regarding insulin or oral diabetes medications before surgery.
• Discuss adjustments to your diabetes management plan to accommodate fasting or eating restrictions related to the procedure.
4. Antibiotic Prophylaxis:
• In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed before and after the extraction to prevent infections.

Is Tooth Extraction Safe for Diabetics?

Yes, tooth extraction is generally safe for diabetic patients if their blood sugar levels are well-managed. Studies show that diabetic patients who maintain good glucose control have healing times similar to non-diabetic individuals. The key is ensuring that the condition is stable and following all post-extraction care instructions.

Best Practices for a Safe Procedure:

• Choose the Right Timing: Schedule extractions when blood sugar levels are most stable, often early in the morning.
• Follow Pre-Procedure Instructions: Avoid eating or drinking before the procedure as instructed, while ensuring this aligns with your diabetes plan.
• Monitor Post-Procedure: Keep an eye on blood sugar levels as stress and medications may affect glucose levels.

Aftercare for Diabetic Patients Post-Tooth Extraction

1.Dietary Adjustments:
• Stick to soft, low-sugar foods during the healing period.
• Avoid hard, chewy foods that could disturb the surgical site.

2. Oral Hygiene:
• Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean and reduce swelling.
• Resume brushing and flossing after the initial healing period, avoiding the surgical area until instructed otherwise.

3. Medication Compliance:
• Continue taking prescribed antibiotics or painkillers as directed to prevent infection and manage discomfort.

4. Monitor Healing:
• Watch for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or excessive pain.
• Report any unusual symptoms to your dentist or doctor immediately.

Preventing Future Dental Issues for Diabetic Patients

To minimise the need for tooth extractions in the future, diabetic patients should prioritise oral health:
• Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily, floss, and use an antibacterial mouthwash.
• Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Consistently monitor and stabilise your glucose levels.
• Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Schedule check-ups every six months or as recommended to catch and treat issues early.
• Follow a Healthy Diet: Reduce sugary and high-carb foods that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

Conclusion

Tooth extraction is a common and generally safe procedure for diabetic patients when blood sugar levels are well-controlled. Proper preparation, clear communication with your dentist, and diligent aftercare are essential for successful outcomes. By managing diabetes effectively and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can minimise risks and enjoy better overall dental health. If you’re diabetic and considering a tooth extraction, consult your dentist and doctor to ensure a tailored and safe treatment plan.