The most important goal of dentistry is to preserve your natural teeth into old age. Unfortunately, however, this is not always possible. For example, if a tooth is so badly damaged as a result of an accident or decay that it can no longer be saved despite all dental efforts, it must be extracted. Tooth extraction is a routine procedure in every dental practice, but may require follow-up treatment. As your trusted dentist in Zurich, we will advise you in detail and carry out any necessary extraction as gently as possible.
Frequently asked questions about tooth extraction in Zurich
What follow-up treatments are necessary after tooth extraction?
If the tooth is not removed due to a lack of space in the jaw, but for other reasons, it is important to close the gap resulting from the extraction. If this is not done, the soft tissue and jawbone may recede and antagonists or neighboring teeth may tilt, elongate or result in a negative overall change in the dentition on both sides of the upper and lower jaw. To prevent this, the empty tooth space is filled by inserting a ceramic bridge or a dental implant.
Is tooth extraction painful?
The tooth extraction itself is virtually painless, as you will of course be anaesthetized with a syringe in the appropriate place beforehand. However, the wound resulting from the missing tooth can still cause pain for a few hours. This can be easily treated with commercially available painkillers. Cooling the affected area can also alleviate the wound pain.
What risks can occur after tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction is considered a safe procedure that is routinely performed in every dental practice. In rare cases, however, minor complications can occur. These include increased pain, slight swelling, bruising or inflammation in the treatment area. Wound healing disorders or damage to adjacent teeth are very rare.
When does a tooth need to be removed?
Tooth extraction is always the last resort when all other options for saving the tooth have failed. However, there are many reasons why tooth extraction is absolutely necessary. The most common reasons for such an "absolute indication" are
- Periodontitis in an advanced stage
- Chronic inflammation of the dental nerve that has already spread to the bone
- Tooth fracture with an unfavorable prognosis (for example, a fracture on the long side with complete severing of the tooth crown and root)
- Cysts in the jaw
- Jaw too narrow
There are also situations in which tooth extraction is not absolutely necessary, but still makes sense in order to maintain your dental health in the long term. The most common reason for such a "relative indication" is extreme decay of the tooth structure, which cannot be stopped by fillings or crowns.
You can find out whether a tooth extraction is necessary or recommended for you in a personal consultation. Make an appointment for an examination at our dental practice in Zurich and we will take care of you and your teeth!
How does a tooth extraction work?
Before a tooth is extracted, the affected area must be made insensitive to pain. We inject the locally effective anesthetic directly into the gums with a syringe so that you hardly feel anything from the tooth extraction. In justified exceptional cases, we can perform the treatment under general anesthesia. If desired, the procedure can also be carried out while the patient is in twilight sleep (analgosedation).
As soon as the anaesthetic takes effect, the tooth is carefully mobilized in the bone socket using special instruments. Patients only notice the movement of the tooth through a brief sensation of pressure and sometimes briefly hear the sounds that occur when the tooth is loosened. Once the tooth has been loosened, we use forceps to lift it out of its bone socket. Thanks to the anesthetic, you will not feel any pain.
The wound created by the tooth extraction is desinfected, filled with a bone granulate (alveolar ridge augmentation) to prevent bone resorption, which would make it difficult to treat the tooth gap at a later date, and treated with a cotton ball. This prevents bleeding and minimizes the risk of infection. After a short time, a blood clot forms on the so-called tooth socket (alveolus). This closes the wound and marks the start of the healing process, which takes about a month.
What needs to be considered after tooth extraction?
You can positively influence the wound healing process by following the tips below after tooth extraction:
- Do not eat anything while the anesthetic is still working.
- Avoid black tea, coffee, alcohol and nicotine for at least 48 hours.
- Allow yourself a few days to rest after the tooth extraction and avoid strenuous physical activity.
- When lying down, make sure your head is slightly elevated to prevent or stop bleeding.
- Do not touch the wound. Also make sure you avoid the wound area when brushing your teeth.
- Do not rinse your mouth too vigorously, otherwise the blood clot, which is so important for healing, may come loose.
Which dentures can be used after tooth extraction?
There is no general answer to the question of the best dental prosthesis after tooth removal. Which tooth replacement is most suitable depends on many factors, such as the size of the gap(s) or the condition of the jawbone. In principle, however, both bridges and implants are conceivable as tooth replacements. If several teeth have been removed, dentures may also be an option. As your competent dentist in Zurich, we will of course be happy to advise you comprehensively on the various options and find the best solution for you together!
Contact
Dentist Zurich - finest smile
Seidengasse 20
8001 Zurich
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday
7:00 am to 8:00 pm
Phone
044 504 57 56