Why Are Teeth Important to Us?
Our mouths and teeth are used every time we smile, frown, converse, or eat. In addition, our mouths and teeth allow us to produce various facial expressions, form words, eat, drink, and start the digestive process. Speech requires the use of the mouth. Teeth, in conjunction with the lips and tongue, aid in the formation of words by regulating airflow out of the mouth. Some noises are created by the tongue striking the teeth or the roof of the mouth. Our teeth shred, cut, and ground food in preparation for swallowing when we eat. The tongue aids in food movement to the teeth and tastes what we consume.
Our teeth play such a significant part in our lives. They help in food chewing and digestion and clear communication and facial shaping. A grin offers numerous advantages in everyday life. For example, it may boost our self-esteem and impact our social life, professions, and relationships. As a result, it's only natural to provide the most comprehensive dental health care possible.
National Smile Month is an opportunity to examine our dental health, understand why a good smile is essential, and share advice on enhancing and maintaining it.
Oral health may provide a plethora of life-changing advantages.
How Do Teeth Carry Out Their Functions?
Each tooth has a specific function in the chewing process:
- Incisors are the sharp-edged, squarish teeth at the front of the mouth that cut food when we bite into it. On the bottom, there are four, and on the top, there are four.
- Sharp canines are located on either side of the incisors. Upper canines are sometimes known as eye teeth or cuspids.
- The premolars, also known as bicuspids, are located behind the canines and grind and mash food. Each jaw has two sets of premolars, totaling four.
- The molars, located behind the premolars, feature points and grooves that enable aggressive chewing.
The first, second, and third molars are the three sets of teeth in each jaw. The wisdom teeth are the third molars. A dentist may need to remove them if they crowd out other teeth or cause complications like discomfort or infection.
Diphyodont refers to humans having two sets of teeth. The milk teeth, also known as primary, temporary, or baby teeth, are the first 20 deciduous (duh-SID-you-wus) teeth. They begin to form before a child is born and fall out around six. Then, a set of 32 permanent teeth replaces them, often known as secondary or adult teeth.
What Are the Reasons for Tooth Extraction?
Despite the fact that permanent teeth are supposed to last a lifetime, tooth extraction may be necessary for a variety of reasons. For example, a tooth that is too seriously damaged to be restored due to trauma or decay is typical. Other considerations include:
A mouth that is overflowing
Dentists may extract teeth to prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment. The purpose of orthodontia is to align your teeth properly, which may be difficult if your teeth are too large for your mouth. Similarly, if a tooth cannot break through the gum (erupt) due to a lack of space in the mouth, your dentist may advise extracting it.
Infection
If tooth decay or injury reaches the pulp, the soft tissue at the tooth's core contains nerves and blood arteries, germs from the mouth can enter the pulp and cause infection. This is usually treated with root canal treatment (RCT). Still, if the infection is severe enough that antibiotics or RCT are ineffective, the tooth may need to be extracted to prevent the infection from spreading.
Infection Danger
Even the danger of infection in a single tooth may be enough to extract the tooth if your immune system is impaired (for example, taking chemotherapy or having an organ transplant). Periodontal (gum) disease is a kind of gum disease. If periodontal disease (infection of the tissues and bones surrounding and supporting the teeth) has resulted in tooth loosening, the tooth or teeth may need to be removed.
What Causes the Tooth to Be Extracted?
While many teenagers and adults have their wisdom teeth removed, adult teeth may also need to be pulled for other reasons.
Severe tooth decay, infection, or crowding may necessitate a dental extraction. For example, when getting braces, one or two teeth may need to be removed to provide a way for the other teeth as they shift into place. Additionally, patients who are receiving chemotherapy or are preparing to undergo an organ transplant may require the removal of compromised teeth to maintain their oral health. Tooth extraction is a quick outpatient procedure that can be performed by a dentist or oral surgeon under local, general, intravenous, or a combination of anesthetics. Extraction of visible teeth is a straightforward procedure. However, a more extensive process is required for teeth that are fractured, below the surface or impacted.
In dentistry, tooth retention is a crucial aim. Dentists strive their hardest to keep natural teeth since they are irreplaceable. However, to prevent the illness from spreading, they may need to extract decaying or broken teeth. Tooth extractions are no longer as unpleasant as they once were because of advances in dental technology.
A dental surgeon or dentist generally performs the treatment. General anesthetic (local anesthetic), intravenous anesthesia, or a mix of both is employed to execute the surgery safely. While removing visible teeth is a straightforward process, pulling damaged or impacted teeth can be time-consuming.
Cost for Removal of Tooth
The presence and kind of tooth impaction, if the anesthetic is necessary, and where you reside are all factors that may influence the cost of your surgery. The cost of a tooth extraction varies based on the city/location, clinic/hospital type & facilities, provider experience, number & kind of teeth to be extracted, drugs utilized, and so on. In India, tooth extraction costs typically range between Rs. 2000 to Rs. 8,000. Dental radiographs, usually known as X-rays, cost between $200 and $1,000 in most locations.
You can always pay for the extraction yourself, but if prices are an issue, consider the following alternatives:
Packages and payment options
Many oral surgeons provide packages that include the removal of all four wisdom teeth at once. Your oral surgeon may also offer a payment plan, which divides the total cost of the operation into smaller parts over time.
Discount dentistry plans
Several discount dental plans are available that allow you to pay a single yearly fee and receive savings on dental operations from a network of providers throughout the year. Check with your dentist to see if there is a discount program.
Preparation for Tooth Extraction Procedure
If you're one of the patients who is a little apprehensive about the treatment, relax. Things will go more smoothly if you plan ahead of time. The methods outlined below will prepare you for the impending treatment by educating you and making you feel at ease.
Make all of your uncertainties go.
The best method to alleviate your fear is to discuss the operation with your dentist or oral surgeon. Make a list of questions you'd like answered about the therapy. Please don't be shy; no question is stupid if it suits your curious mind. After all, it's your mouth, and you want to be very particular. So, be confident and at ease to remove all of your worries.
Tell us about your medical history
Before having a tooth extracted, you must tell the surgeon about your whole medical history, as well as any drugs or supplements you are taking. In addition, if you have any of the following symptoms, make sure to tell your doctor.
- a congenital heart defects
- diabetes
- liver disease
- thyroid disease
- an artificial joint
- damaged heart valves
- adrenal disease
- an impaired immune system
This information is essential for safe and successful treatment, even if you're under the care of a top dentist. It assists the concerned surgeon in identifying the related risks and taking the required precautions to ensure a flawless procedure.
Avoid Eating Too Much
Avoid having a full stomach before the procedure. If general anesthesia is used, dentists recommend not eating for 8 to 10 hours before the procedure. This guarantees that you are not nauseated during or after the surgery. However, if your surgeon intends to employ a local anesthetic, no such fasting is required (medication applied to numb an area of your mouth while performing the respective procedure.)
Make Transportation Arrangements
Driving yourself home after surgery is never a brilliant idea since an anesthetic can delay your reflexes, inhibit your mental processes, and in some cases, cause forgetfulness in the hours after surgery. As a result, while you may feel like yourself, your driving skills may be compromised. Before your procedure, make arrangements for transportation home with a friend or family member to avoid any safety concerns. You can also arrange a car service, such as a taxi or Uber if necessary.
Other things to keep in mind
- Wear a loose-fitting, comfortable dress.
- Do not smoke before your procedure.
- Take off all of your jewelry.
- Remove your contact lenses if you wear them.
- Pull your hair back and away from your face.
Procedures for Tooth Removal
A Simple Extraction
A removed tooth can be seen in the mouth. The tooth is first loosened using a tool known as an elevator. The tooth is then extracted using forceps by the dentist.
Numbing the teeth: A local anesthetic can numb the region around the afflicted tooth, particularly the gums and surrounding bone. This relieves pain and discomfort during the treatment, and it usually wears off after a few hours.
Loosening of teeth: Using an "elevator," the dentist begins to loosen the targeted tooth by rocking it. You might feel some pressure as this happens, but you shouldn't be in any pain.
Pulling the teeth: The dentist uses forceps to physically take the tooth structure out once the tooth is loose enough. At first, the freshly empty tooth socket will bleed, but it will quickly clot.
Final steps: The jaw bone is reshaped, and the empty socket is cleansed. In certain circumstances, sutures may be required, and gauze may be required to absorb any blood.
A Surgical Extraction
Surgery is required if the tooth has not erupted in the mouth or has fractured at the gum line. The dental surgeon makes a tiny incision into the gum to extract the impacted wisdom tooth or fractured tooth. The basics of tooth extraction are generally the same, whether it's a simple or surgical extraction.
A tooth is taken from its socket when extracted (in the jawbone). The tooth is generally fully wrapped in the socket, holding it in place with a ligament. The dentist first enlarges the socket before separating the tooth from the ligament and then pulling it out to extract the tooth.
The bone that surrounds the tooth's root is soft and porous. However, as a result of rocking the tooth back and forth against the socket walls, the bone compresses.
Eventually, there would be enough room for the tooth to be detached from the ligament. Tools: Dentists use extraction forceps and elevators to grab or exert pressure on the tooth and remove it.
Forceps for extraction: These are devices that look like pliers and are used to grab and pull teeth. A dentist's extraction forceps are generally several. Each is made to fit the contour of your teeth and may apply pressure to them. Forceps are also utilized to twist the teeth back and forth so that the ligament may be readily torn away.
Elevators for the teeth: These look like tiny screwdrivers. They're made to fit between the tooth and the bone surrounding it. The tooth is pressed against the bone by forcing the elevator into this gap and twisting it around. The dentist can then extend the socket and detach the tooth from its ligament in this manner. What you'll experience during tooth extraction anesthetics suffocate the pain-transmitting nerve fibers. They do not, however, prevent you from experiencing pressure.
The Consequences of Dental Extraction
Tooth extraction complications are uncommon. The operation does, however, come with several hazards. These are some of them:
- The site is infected
- Nerve damage is expected.
- Other teeth, dental crowns, and fillings may be damaged.
- Bruising, swelling, and discomfort on the affected area
- Pain that persists after the surgery Reaction to the anesthetic or other drugs administered after the procedure
- Long-term healing of the affected region
- The completely dry socket
Risks for Tooth Extraction
A few dangers are associated with tooth extraction; however, the advantages will most likely outweigh the negligible risk of problems if your dentist advises it.
A blood clot commonly forms in the socket after a tooth extraction (the hole in the bone where the tooth was extracted). A "dry socket" occurs when the blood clot fails to form or dislodges, exposing the bone inside the socket. If this occurs, the dentist will protect the region by applying a sedative dressing for a few days.
Unfortunately, a new clot will develop during this period.
Swelling and Pain
Swelling is frequent after dental treatments, such as tooth extraction and periodontal surgery. Holding an ice pack to the cheek—or, even better, a plastic bag of frozen peas or corn (which conforms to the contour of the face)—can help reduce swelling. For the first 18 hours, ice treatment can be administered. After that, cold should be applied to the cheek for 25 minutes before being withdrawn for 5 minutes. If the swelling remains or worsens after three days, or if the discomfort is significant, an infection has formed, and the individual should see a dentist. The pain that follows a dental operation can range from mild to severe. People can use numerous pain medications.
Dry socket (alveolitis)
After a lower back tooth is pulled and the usual blood clot in the socket is destroyed, a dry socket (exposure of the bone in the socket, causing delayed healing) may occur. Discomfort usually subsides for two or three days following the extraction before suddenly worsening, often accompanied by an earache. Although the problem will go away on its own in 1 to 2 weeks, a dentist can relieve the pain by placing a bandage soaked in anesthetic in the socket. After the gauze has been left out for a few hours, the dentist replaces the dressing every 1 to 3 days until no more discomfort is detected.
In addition to anesthetics, dentists frequently employ a commercial bandage that does not need to be removed and contains an antibacterial and a pain reliever. In addition, you can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) by mouth if you need further pain relief.
Smokers are more likely to get dry sockets. Therefore, smokers should refrain from smoking for several days before and after the extraction if at all possible. Dry socket is also ordinary among women (particularly those who use oral contraceptives).
Bleeding
It's not uncommon for a tooth to bleed after being extracted. Because a tiny quantity of blood may mix with saliva and appear to be more blood than is there, bleeding in the mouth may appear to be greater than it is. Keeping consistent pressure on the surgical site for the first hour by having the individual bite down on a piece of gauze usually stops the bleeding. People may have to go through the process two or three times. It's critical to keep the gauze (or a teabag) in place for at least an hour. Most bleeding issues arise from the user repeatedly removing the pack to verify if the bleeding has stopped. If bleeding persists for longer than a few hours, contact your dentist. The bleeding region may need to be cleaned out and surgically closed with stitches by the dentist (sutures)
Period for Recovery of Tooth Extraction
The answer to this issue varies significantly from patient to patient, based on a few key aspects such as the size and placement of the tooth, the patient's oral health, and the patient's follow-up instructions.
The recovery time for an essential extraction (which includes removing a tooth that has already erupted into the mouth) is typically extremely short. Your oral surgeon will usually ask you to rest for at least 48 to 72 hours after the treatment for the treated area to clot. After that, the patient should be able to resume normal physical activities. In most cases, the soft tissue will fully recover in 3-4 weeks.
The recuperation time is a little longer for patients who have had a surgical extraction (when a tooth still within the gums and jawbone is removed). The doctor will most likely urge the patient to rest for the first 48-72 hours, then limit physical activity for a week or more before returning to normal activities.
The amount of time a patient will need off work after an extraction is mainly determined by the level of physical activity necessary for their employment. A patient and their oral surgeon should address this ahead of time so that the patient may arrange with their employer if required.
A patient should do the following to guarantee a quick recovery after an extraction:
- Avoid brushing, flossing, or chewing near the treatment site for the first few days.
- To allow a good blood clot to form, do not use a straw, rinse your mouth, or spit for the first 24 hours.
- Don't smoke since it raises your chances of contracting an illness.
- To avoid dislodging the clot, limit physical exertion (which could cause a painful dry socket)
- Sleep with your head up for the first few days to prevent bleeding.
- Control any swelling or soreness with a cold compress or as advised by your doctor.
