Tooth extraction: everything you need to know

History of tooth extraction

At first there was pain. Tooth pain.

Tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures. Toothache has existed with the existence of mankind. At the same time, for thousands of years, mankind practically did not know any other method of getting rid of suffering, except to remove a damaged tooth.

In ancient Greece, it was believed that a toothache was a sign that a person often told lies. In the Middle Ages in the East, it was believed that the pain was caused by small worms growing in the teeth. Getting rid of toothache has been an extremely pressing problem throughout human history, and tooth extraction seemed to be the most reasonable solution to the problem.

Early means of tooth extraction

The first instruments known in history to extract teeth appeared VII BC, in India. This procedure was performed using special forceps that resembled an animal’s head. In ancient China, before extracting a tooth, it was killed with arsenic – an invention that has served dentists for thousands of years.

Dentists in Japan treated their patients much more harshly. In this country, since ancient times, there has been a tradition of extracting teeth with bare hands, without any tools. In order to develop professional skills, the Japanese “Aesculapians” practiced for a long time: they drove nails on a thick board with their fingers. To facilitate the work, the tooth was hit with a small hammer before the operation. It is not difficult to imagine what suffering the patient was going through.

It is clear that at the place of the extracted tooth there was an inevitable void that required filling. That is why prosthetisis was developed.

Replacing an extracted tooth: dental implants in ancient times

Humanity has used various types of dental implants since ancient times. Materials used for artificial teeth included ivory, wood, animal teeth, human teeth, minerals and precious stones, as well as precious metals. Complex structures were also used to replace not only one tooth, but a whole row of teeth.

In medieval Europe, tooth extraction was done under a kind of “anesthesia” – a person was knocked unconscious by a blow to the head. The extraction tools themselves were not high-tech. In many cases, the roots of the teeth were left. At the same time, the root remained in the gum and often caused inflammation and abscess.

Only in the 14th century, a prominent surgeon of his time, Guy de Chauliac, invented a special device called “Pelican” to extract teeth. The pelican helped the dentist securely hold the tooth and carefully remove it along with the root.

This device made it possible, among other things, to successfully remove wisdom teeth. Guy de Scholiac’s “pelican” remained an indispensable tool for dentists until the 18th century, when it was replaced by more advanced devices that were already quite reminiscent of modern instruments.

The modern method of tooth extraction is very far from these stories, because there are so developed devices, such as the piezotome, which we will use in the  dental clinic in Tbilisi.

Tooth extraction in the XXI century

Children’s dentistry: tooth extraction

Most children start changing their baby teeth at the age of 6-7. The change in dentition that begins at this age is a natural process that does not require the intervention of parents or specialists. Of course, except for pathological cases.

The best thing that caring parents can do is to help their child keep their baby teeth healthy until their roots are absorbed and the teeth erupt on their own. This spontaneous loss of baby teeth usually ensures normal development of the jaw bones and proper eruption of permanent teeth. Sometimes, the extraction of a baby tooth requires the participation of a pediatric dentist.

Tooth extraction in children should be performed exclusively by a pediatric dental surgeon with special knowledge and skills in pediatric surgical dentistry. Baby teeth have a special structure, and if they are removed incorrectly, the germ of a permanent tooth may be damaged.

A children’s dentist with many years of experience works in the Richter clinic, who enjoys interacting with children.

Wisdom tooth extraction

The demand for wisdom tooth extractions has increased dramatically since the Industrial Revolution. It was after that that people switched to softer foods. At this time, the need to chew strong food is dramatically reduced.

Extraction of the wisdom tooth (the eighth tooth) is not necessary if it is located correctly in the tooth row. Wisdom tooth extraction is necessary if:

• The wisdom tooth is difficult to extract and is covered with gum;
• There is no place for the tooth to cut; Retinized or dystopic tooth.
• The location of the tooth is such that it makes it difficult to carry out hygienic procedures in full. This increases the risk of caries formation;
• During orthodontic treatment, when teeth are planned to be straightened with braces.

As a rule, tooth extraction is performed under local anesthesia.

What is a impacted tooth and why does it need to be removed?

Some people have a hard time getting their “wisdom” teeth. Often, there is no place for it to cut out and it pushes against the adjacent tooth, which causes discomfort and pain – in the ear, throat, head area.

It cannot participate in chewing because it is covered with gum. Not removing the wisdom tooth can become the cause of caries disease of the front, seventh tooth, because it is impossible to carry out hygienic procedures perfectly.

The wrongly standing eighth tooth causes the deformation of the tooth row. In such cases, the solution is to remove it!

cystectomy (cyst removal)

The main causes of cyst formation are:

• Tooth trauma
• A complication of periodontitis
• Unsatisfactory treatment

Based on the examination, if a cyst is found, it should be excised, as it will not be absorbed by medical treatment. In the period of exacerbation, pain, temperature rise, gum inflammation are characteristic.

The purpose of removing the cyst is to save the tooth. We only remove the tooth when there is no chance of saving it. Tooth extraction is only a last resort.

Wound care after tooth extraction

• Do not eat until the anesthesia wears off. On average, this time is 2 hours.
• During the first three hours after the operation, a cold compress with breaks is recommended: put ice in a towel for 20 minutes. rest for 20 minutes;
• Do not touch the tooth extraction site with your tongue;
• Do not chew on the side of the extracted tooth;
• On the day of tooth extraction, do not drink or eat very cold or hot drinks and food. avoid rough, spicy food for 7-10 days;
• Use the means only according to the doctor’s prescription;
• Be sure to brush your teeth 2 times a day. Clean the area around the wound carefully;
• Within 3-4 days after tooth extraction, limit heavy physical activity, hot bath, sauna, tanning, contrast shower;
• do not drink alcohol;
• It is better to not smoke tobacco.

What can be done at the tooth extraction site?

Before tooth extraction, our doctors will discuss with you the options for filling the space of the extracted tooth: implantation (which can be done right away) or orthopedic bridge.

How much does a tooth extraction cost in a dental clinic?

The price of tooth extraction in a dental clinic:

• Tooth extraction in a stomatological clinic can be free of charge (included in the treatment package, within which implants are installed);
• In the economy-class dental clinic, a tooth can be extracted for 50 / 80 GEL. However, it is not always possible to extract a tooth in such a dental clinic. They may not be able to remove the tooth because they don’t have a surgeon. In this case, you may need several days or even weeks. In addition, as a rule, such a clinic may not have such an atraumatic device as a piezotome.
• The price of tooth extraction in our premium class clinic starts from 80 GEL. We always have an experienced maxillofacial surgeon, tooth extraction is performed with a piezotome machine (which ensures minimal trauma), and we accept teeth of any complexity.

As discussed, tooth extraction can be a very simple and even desirable process (for example, when we remove a baby tooth). At the same time, it can be very difficult to extract a tooth, especially a retinized tooth, a wisdom tooth. You can also use the tooth extraction service at our dental clinic Tbilisi.