Surgical Dentistry can be further classified into:
- Tooth extraction
- Wisdom tooth extraction
If a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay beyond repair the tooth needs to be extracted.
Other reasons for tooth extraction are:
- Extract baby teeth to allow the permanent teeth to come in
- People getting braces may need teeth extracted
- Wisdom teeth: They need to be removed if they are decayed, cause pain or have a cyst or infection
WISDOM TEETH EXTRACTION
Reasons for wisdom teeth extraction:
- Impacted – can be trapped in your jawbone or gums
- Has cavities or gum disease
Removing the wisdom tooth
If the tooth hasn’t come through the gum, a small cut (incision) will be made in the gum to access it. A small piece of the bone covering the tooth may also need to be removed.
The tooth may be cut into smaller parts to make it easier to remove through the opening. There’s less need to make an incision if the tooth has broken through the gum.
Dos post extraction:
- Use an ice pack on your face to curb swelling or skin color changes
- Eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids
- Brush your teeth after 24 hours
- Take the prescribed medication
Don’ts post extraction:
- Don’t drink through a straw. Sucking may loosen blood clots that help your mouth heal
- Don’t rinse your mouth too harshly. Your doctor may suggest rinsing gently with saltwater
- Don’t eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may scratch your wounds
- Don’t smoke. Smoking can slow your healing
