Emergency Oral Surgery
Teeth extractions are common dental procedures for various reasons, including severe decay, infection, orthodontic needs, or impacted teeth. This guide covers the indications, types, procedures, recovery, and complications associated with teeth extractions.
Indications for Teeth Extractions:
Severe Tooth Decay: When decay reaches the pulp and cannot be treated with root canal therapy.
Advanced Periodontal Disease: Gum disease causing bone loss and loosening of teeth.
Impacted Teeth: Common with wisdom teeth, causing pain and infection.
Orthodontic Reasons: To create space for proper teeth alignment.
Overcrowding: Lack of space in the mouth for all teeth.
Infection: Severe infections not responding to antibiotics.
Trauma: Severely damaged teeth due to injury.
Preparation for Dentures or Implants: To prepare the mouth for these treatments.
Types of Teeth Extractions:
Simple Extractions: For visible, easily accessible teeth with a straightforward root structure.
Procedure: Local anesthesia, loosening the tooth with an elevator, and removing it with forceps.
Post-Procedure Care: Gauze application, pain management, and aftercare instructions to avoid dry socket.
Surgical Extractions: For teeth that are not easily accessible, such as impacted or broken teeth.
Procedure: Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, incision, possible bone removal, tooth sectioning, extraction, and stitches.
Post-Procedure Care: Similar to simple extractions, with additional care for swelling and more detailed aftercare.
Patient Preparation:
Medical History Review: Assessing chronic conditions, medications, and allergies.
Pre-Operative Instructions: Fasting before the procedure if sedation is used.
Medication Adjustments: Adjusting blood thinners or other medications.
Consultation: Addressing concerns and discussing post-operative care.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care:
Bleeding Control: Using gauze to promote clot formation.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers.
Swelling Reduction: Applying ice packs.
Dietary Adjustments: Soft foods, avoiding hot, spicy, or crunchy foods.
Oral Hygiene: Gentle brushing and saltwater rinses.
Activity Restrictions: Resting and avoiding strenuous activities.
Potential Complications and Management:
Dry Socket: Severe pain due to dislodged clot, treated with medicated dressings.
Infection: Swelling, fever, treated with antibiotics.
Nerve Injury: Numbness or tingling, usually heals over time.
Prolonged Bleeding: Controlled with pressure, hemostatic agents, and medical evaluation.
Special Considerations:
Wisdom Teeth Extractions: Often complex due to impaction and require detailed imaging and careful post-operative care.
Pediatric Extractions: Considerations for growth, development, and anxiety management.
Conclusion:
Teeth extractions address a wide range of dental issues, and understanding the process from indications to post-operative care is essential for successful outcomes and smooth recovery.
The Following pictures show case a patient that needed extraction of all his teeth in order to have a dental clearance for his knee replacement surgery.
