Oral Care Guide for Teens

Tooth Club

Oral Care Guide for Teens

　

　

Extraction is the removal of teeth from the jawbone. It can be done by simple extraction using instruments such as forceps or elevators. Extraction can also be carried out surgically.

Purpose


	To remove teeth that cannot be restored
	To remove teeth that are not necessary to be restored
	To remove potentially problematic teeth
	To remove teeth for orthodontic treatment

	To remove teeth with infected pulps from patients if infective endocarditis is a health risk

Treatment procedures


Simple extraction
	Local anaesthesia is given to ensure that the teeth and their surrounding tissues are thoroughly numb.
	A pair of forceps is used to grip the tooth firmly and it is rocked gently to expand the socket for the tooth to be removed.
	Pressure pad is used to control bleeding.

Surgical extraction
	Local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia is given to ensure that the tooth and their surrounding tissues are thoroughly numb.
	Incisions are made in the gums to raise the overlaying gum flap. The underlying bony tissues are removed. The tooth can then be gripped, rocked out and released from the jawbone.
	The incisions are closed with sutures.
	Pressure pad is used to control bleeding.
	Sutures are removed after one week.

　

Points to note after extraction


For the next 24 hours, you should:
	Not rinse your mouth vigorously
	Not disturb the wound with your tongue or fingers
	Not drink alcoholic beverages
	Not do heavy exercise
	Not smoke
	Take pain control medication as recommended

Painful and swollen wound after extraction
Generally, discomfort in the wound will be felt within 3 to 4 days after the extraction. The level of discomfort will decrease as the wound heals. If you follow the dentist's advices to take medications and keep your mouth clean, the wound should gradually heal. If the condition hasn't improved or has even worsened 3 to 4 days after the extraction, you should go and get a detailed check-up by the dentist.

　