One of the main goals of modern dentistry is the
prevention of tooth loss. All possible measures should be taken to
preserve and maintain your teeth because the loss of a single tooth can
have a major impact upon your dental health and appearance. However, it is
still sometimes necessary to remove a tooth. Here are some of the reasons
why a tooth may need to be extracted.
Severe Decay
Advanced periodontal (gum) disease
Infection or abcess
Orthodontic correction
Malpositioned teeth
Fractured teeth or roots
Impacted teeth (mainly wisdom teeth)
There are certain risks
associated with any surgery. Pain, bleeding, permanent numbness, broken
root tips and bone are several of the possible risks. Dr. Chetan Bhole will
explain any associated risks prior to surgery but it is important that you
realize that though we take every possible precaution to reduce these
risks, you either accept the possiblility of the risks or you may elect
not to have the surgery.
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, do not
always erupt properly when they decide to make an appearance. It's wise to
get an early opinion on getting wisdom teeth pulled before they cause
pain, swelling, infection, caries and gum disease.
The shape of the
modern human mouth is often too small to accommodate wisdom teeth which
make their first appearance in young adults 17 to 26. The late teens to
early twenties is the best time to remove wisdom teeth.
Generally,
when one or two wisdom teeth are to be removed, Dr. Chetan Bhole can do this in
his office. However, it is normally recommended that all four be removed
at once. This is best done by an oral surgeon, who can sedate you so you
will be unaware of the procedure. He is also specially trained and skilled
to handle multiple difficult extractions. Generally we will recommend a
surgeon in the area that we have worked with in the past.
If
you've just had a tooth extracted or Dr. Chetan Bhole recommends that a tooth be
extracted, the following information will help you get through the first
few days after your extraction. Should anything occur that seems out of
the normal, do not hesitate to call.
Postoperative Instructions
DO NOT DISTURB THE WOUND: In doing so you may invite irritation,
infection and/or bleeding. Be sure to chew on the opposite side for 24
hours and keep anything sharp from entering the wound (i.e. eating
utensils etc. ).
DO NOT SMOKE FOR 12 HOURS: Smoking will promote bleeding and
interfere with healing.
Do not brush the extraction area for the first 24 hours after
surgery. After that you may brush gently to keep the area clean.
Avoid all rinsing for 24 hours after extraction. This is to insure
the formation of a healing blood clot which is essential to proper wound
healing. Disturbance of this clot can lead to increased bleeding or the
loss of the blood clot. If the clot is lost, a painful condition called
dry socket may occur. Use warm salt water rinses after 24 hours to keep
the area clean.
DO NOT SPIT OR SUCK THROUGH A STRAW: This will promote bleeding and
may dislodge the blood clot causing a dry socket.
BLEEDING: When you leave the office, you will be given verbal
instructions regarding the control of postoperative bleeding. A rolled
up gauze pad will be placed on the extraction site and you will be asked
to change this dressing every 20 minutes or so depending on the amount
of bleeding that is occurring. It is normal for some blood to ooze from
the area of surgery. We will also give you a package of gauze to take
with you to use at home if the bleeding should continue. Should you need
to use the gauze at home, remember to roll it into a ball large enough
to cover the wound. Hold firmly in place, by biting or with finger
pressure, for about 20-30 minutes. If bleeding still continues, you may
fold a wet tea bag in half and bite down on it. Tea contains Tannic Acid
, a styptic, which may help to reduce the bleeding.
PAIN: Some discomfort is normal after surgery. Analgesic tablets (
i.e.Combiflam,Nice etc. ) may be taken under Dr. Chetan Bhole's direction.
Prescription medication, which may have been prescribed to you, should
be taken as prescribed. NEVER take a prescription pain medication on an
empty stomach. If pain continues, call Dr. Chetan Bhole
SWELLING: To prevent swelling, apply an ice pack or a cold towel to
the outside of your face in the area of the extraction during the first
12 hours. Apply alternately, 20 minutes on then 20 minutes off, for an
hour or longer if necessary.
DIET: Eat normal regular meals as soon as you are able after
surgery. Cold, soft food such as ice cream or yogurt may be the most
comfortable for the first day. It is also important to drink plenty of
fluids.
REPORT ANY UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES IMMEDIATELY !
Dental Implants
Dental Implants are artificial tooth roots. Holes
are made into the jaw bones and the artificial roots are placed and
covered over. The implants then heal and integrate with the jaw. After
healing an artificial top (crown) is placed into the implant and crowns,
bridges and attachments for dentures can be placed.
Implants can be
used to replace individual missing teeth, but also to replace several
teeth where a conventional bridge will not work. Patient with full
dentures, especially lower full dentures that are more difficult to wear
can benefit from implants. The implants can act as anchors to keep the
denture in place in the mouth.
Unfortunately, dental implants tend
to be costly. As noted
above, any surgery introduces certain unavoidable risks, and these risks
must be evaluated with the possible benefits of the implants.
We
feel that our patients are best served by having a specialist perform the
surgical portion of the procedure, either an oral surgeon or a
periodontist (gum specialist). After the implant has fused to the bone, we
place either the crown, bridge or anchors for the full dentures.
If
you have any questions about implants, please let us know.
One of the main goals of modern dentistry is the
prevention of tooth loss. All possible measures should be taken to
preserve and maintain your teeth because the loss of a single tooth can
have a major impact upon your dental health and appearance. However, it is
still sometimes necessary to remove a tooth. Here are some of the reasons
why a tooth may need to be extracted.
Dental Implants are artificial tooth roots. Holes
are made into the jaw bones and the artificial roots are placed and
covered over. The implants then heal and integrate with the jaw. After
healing an artificial top (crown) is placed into the implant and crowns,
bridges and attachments for dentures can be placed.
