Complete Guide to Tooth Extraction
Table of Contents
- Are you thinking of a Tooth Extraction?
- Understanding When to Extract a Tooth
- Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction
- Understanding Tooth Extraction Complexity
- Methods on How to Pull a Tooth
- How to Safely Pull a Baby Tooth
- Can you Extract a Tooth at Home?
- The Risks of Pulling a Tooth at Home
- Statistics on At-Home Tooth Extractions
- Cost of Tooth Extraction
Are you thinking of a Tooth Extraction?
Are you thinking you can take out your own tooth? Are you asking how to pull a tooth out at home? If it's a loose baby tooth on a child, then it is perfectly ok to try to pull the tooth from home. If you're an adult with a loose tooth, it is absolutely not recommended to try to extract your own tooth. It's best to have a dentist do a proper extraction, as they are trained in the safest and most effective methods of pulling a tooth. You will be properly numbed, and sterilized instruments will be used.
It's possible that some baby teeth will not be replaced by an adult tooth. Some people have congenitally missing teeth, which means that the baby tooth shouldn't be pulled, unless there are other problems with it. Plenty of people can keep these retained primary (baby) teeth their entire lives if they maintain them well enough. This is why only loose baby teeth should be attempted to be removed at home. Seeing a dentist regularly will ensure that you know what the situation is with your teeth.
Understanding When to Extract a Tooth
Various factors influence the decision to extract a tooth, including the patient's age, the tooth's overall condition after addressing concerns like decay, cracks, or flawed restorations. The health of surrounding gums, bone structure, and the specific type of tooth (e.g., wisdom teeth often require removal) are also crucial determinants. Additionally, underlying health conditions, medication intake, and cost-related decisions can influence tooth extraction choices.
Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction
- Extensive Decay: Persistent tooth pain or aches often indicate decay or infection. When the damage is beyond repair, pulling the tooth becomes a viable solution.
- Impacted Teeth: Some teeth, especially impacted wisdom ones, might not align properly with braces and hence, need removal.
- Severely Broken or Fractured Teeth: Teeth damaged below the gum line may necessitate extraction due to insufficient structure to salvage them.
- Root Fractures: Teeth roots, hidden under the gums, can break, making the tooth vulnerable to pain and infections. Traditional root amputation isn't a popular solution anymore.
- Supernumerary Teeth: Hyperdontia, or having more than the typical 32 teeth, may disrupt the normal teeth's eruption, warranting the extra tooth's removal.
Understanding Tooth Extraction Complexity
Is pulling a tooth simple? It largely varies. Oral surgeons, who spend four to six years in specialized training post dental school, often handle complex extractions. Factors affecting the complexity of tooth removal include:
- Your age – Teeth can become brittle as one ages and bone density can increase.
- Sedation status – Extractions without sedation can feel uncomfortable due to pressure. Sedated extractions make the process easier for both patient and doctor.
- Which tooth is being removed – Teeth at the front with a single root are easier to extract compared to multi-rooted ones at the back.
- The condition of the tooth – Extracting broken teeth or those with root canals can be challenging.
- Ethnicity – Some ethnicities have denser bone structures, making extraction harder and potentially requiring additional bone removal.
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Methods on How to Pull a Tooth
Contrary to popular belief, the main objective isn't just “pulling” but loosening the tooth to guide it out of its socket. Extractions are categorized into:
Non-Surgical Extractions
This procedure involves loosening the tooth for removal, without the need for bone removal or tooth sectioning. The methods may differ among doctors but typically involve using elevators to loosen and forceps to extract. Teeth often removed non-surgically include:
- Erupted wisdom teeth
- Teeth with bone loss causing mobility
- Severely infected teeth affecting surrounding bone
- Baby teeth
- Teeth with large cavities but have adequate structure for gripping
Surgical Extractions
In surgical extractions, bone cutting is essential. This could involve sectioning the tooth or adjusting the surrounding bone for better access. Such extractions may require gum incisions. Common teeth removed surgically include:
- Impacted teeth
- Teeth broken at the gumline
- Teeth with root fractures post root canals
- Ankylosed teeth or those fused to the bone
- Teeth surrounded by dense bone resisting non-surgical removal
How to Safely Pull a Baby Tooth
As a permanent tooth emerges, it affects the baby tooth root causing it to loosen. Once loose, slight pressure can ease its removal. If it's very mobile, using gauze or clean fingers helps in the extraction. Floss can be an effective method as well, often seen in videos tied to various objects for a fun and quick pull!
Is Home Tooth Extraction Advisable?
Except for loose baby teeth, extracting teeth at home is discouraged. The temptation to use household tools for a painful tooth can lead to complications. It's essential to consult a dentist for evaluation and treatment as some painful teeth can be saved.
Risks of DIY Tooth Extraction
Other than baby teeth, home extractions are risky, painful, and can cause severe complications. Using non-sterilized tools and lack of experience can lead to the following issues:
- Infection – Unsanitary tools can cause localized or rapidly spreading infections, potentially endangering your life.
- Broken root tips – Even professionals can occasionally break root tips. Leaving them inside can cause complications.
- Damage to adjacent structures – Surrounding teeth, crowns, or even underlying anatomy can get harmed.
But if one decides to proceed, here are some precautions:
- Ensure the tooth is sufficiently loose. If not, it's unsafe for extraction.
- Use a clean, sharp object like tweezers or a sterilized washcloth to grip the tooth.
- Pull the tooth straight out without twisting or jerking motions.
- Post-extraction, rinse with warm water and use a cold compress to mitigate swelling.
- Seek medical attention for persistent bleeding, pain, or swelling.
Statistics on At-Home Tooth Extractions
Here's a glance at some relevant data about DIY tooth extractions:
- Around 1 in 10 individuals will attempt to pull a tooth at home during their lifetime.
- Wisdom teeth are the most frequently self-extracted.
- While the complication risks from DIY extractions are minimal, they aren't non-existent.
- For any concerns related to tooth extraction, consulting a dentist is the best approach.
Cost of Tooth Extraction
The cost of an extraction varies based on its type and other factors, usually ranging from $75 to $500. Dental insurance might cover some or the entire cost.
Conclusion
DIY dentistry poses significant risks, especially with tooth extraction at home. Except for wobbly baby teeth, it's best to seek a dentist's expertise to avoid complications and ensure safety.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.