Tooth Extractions

Gentle and fear-free tooth extractions

Surgical tooth extraction, also known as tooth extraction, is a dental procedure that is necessary for severely damaged or problematic teeth, such as wisdom teeth. Careful diagnostics and gentle procedures are crucial for a successful procedure. Tooth-preserving measures are in the foreground, but in some cases tooth extraction is unavoidable.

In situations where tooth extraction is unavoidable, the focus is on the patient's health. In order to minimize discomfort and possible complications, we rely on modern techniques and precise planning. Individual factors are taken into account in order to achieve the best possible treatment success. After extraction, an adequate supply of dentures is crucial to restore the function and aesthetics of the dentition and to maintain the quality of life of the patient.

When is surgical tooth extraction necessary?

Surgical tooth extraction is necessary when a tooth can no longer be preserved and normal tooth extraction (tooth extraction without surgery) is not possible without major trauma to the surrounding tissue. Such situations can occur when:

• A tooth is extremely decayed and the root of the tooth is affected. In such cases, root canal treatment or apical resection is first considered.
• A misalignment or severe tilting of teeth is present that requires surgical removal. Typically, wisdom teeth are affected by this.
• There is a complicated tooth fracture that makes normal tooth extraction difficult and where there is a risk of infection. Especially in the case of longitudinal tooth fractures, surgical tooth extraction is often necessary.
• Teeth are severely displaced or supernumerary. In these cases, surgical removal is essential to prevent further problems.
• Teeth are fused or have extremely curved roots. In these cases, surgical tooth extraction is the only safe solution.

We dentists always strive to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. Surgical tooth extractions are therefore only performed in cases where there are no alternative treatment options and the patient is informed after a thorough consultation.

Replacing Missing Teeth – For Your Aesthetics and Functional Dental Health

The replacement of missing teeth after surgical tooth extraction is essential to solve both aesthetic and functional problems. Missing teeth can lead to bone resorption, displacement of remaining teeth, headaches, and eating disorders. Therefore, it is important to replace the lost tooth with dentures, such as removable dentures, bridges or dental implants, depending on the individual needs and wishes of the patient. In our practice, specialists in dentures and implantology work together to find the best solution and improve the quality of life of our patients after tooth loss.

How does surgical tooth extraction work?

Surgical tooth extraction begins with planning. This includes an examination and consultation with a dentist or oral surgery specialist. The patient's medical history is discussed to account for possible complications. On the basis of X-rays and details of the tooth and bone structure, a decision is made as to whether surgical tooth extraction is necessary.

Since surgical tooth extraction is a special procedure, the patient is usually referred to an oral surgeon. In our team we have oral surgeons who can perform tooth extractions in our practice in Baar.

The dental surgery itself is usually performed under local anesthesia. In some cases, the patient is put into a twilight sleep (analgosedation) or general anesthesia is performed, especially if several teeth need to be removed. The duration of the surgery varies and can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

At the beginning of the operation, the anesthetized area is cut open and the mucous membrane in the area of the tooth to be removed is folded aside. Special instruments are used to expose the affected tooth. Depending on the location of the tooth, adhesions to the bone, or extremely curved roots, it may be necessary to remove part of the bone to gain better access to the tooth and tooth root. It is important to preserve the bone as much as possible for a possible dental prosthesis at a later date.

After the tooth is removed, the sharp edges of the bone are smoothed and the bone cavity is cleaned. In some cases, the bone cavity is filled with bone substitute material to prevent germ colonization and inflammation of the surgical area. The wound is either closed directly or provided with a strip insert, which allows the drainage of wound secretions and at the same time protects the wound from germs

In most cases, antibiotics are also administered in this context. The patient is also given painkillers to reduce postoperative pain. After about 10 days, the stitches are removed and the healing of the surgical area is checked.

How severe is the pain during/after tooth extraction?

Thanks to local anesthesia, the removal of a tooth is almost painless. Nevertheless, patients may experience a feeling of pressure during tooth extraction.

The pain after surgical tooth extraction varies from person to person and depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, the patient's individual sensitivity to pain and postoperative care. As a rule, pain and swelling after such a procedure are rather harmless, but can be quite unpleasant.

Various measures can be taken to treat pain after tooth extraction:

• Medication for pain management: Your dentist may prescribe painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which are usually effective. It is important to closely follow the dentist's instructions for dosage and use.
• Cooling: Pain and swelling can be relieved by cooling. To do this, place a cooling compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the affected cheek after the operation. It is recommended to apply the cooling at intervals of about 20 minutes and then take a break of about 20 minutes.
• Elevation of the head: Sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights after surgery to reduce pressure in the surgical area. This promotes the healing process and helps reduce pain and swelling.
• Follow rules of conduct: Be sure to follow your dentist's instructions regarding eating, drinking, oral hygiene, smoking, and other activities after your dental surgery to minimize the risk of pain and complications.
• Seek medical attention if necessary: If the pain does not improve despite the above measures, see your dentist so that he can check the wound and, if necessary, initiate further therapeutic measures.

It should be noted that fever and persistent bleeding may indicate complications, such as inflammation or infection. In such cases, you should seek medical attention immediately.

The surgical procedures involved in tooth extraction are now largely routine and can often be carried out by oral surgeons more gently than just a few years ago. Therefore, it is important to rely on the expertise and experience of your treatment team and follow their instructions to achieve the best possible outcome after a surgical tooth extraction.

How long does it take to heal after tooth extraction?

The healing phase after surgical tooth extraction varies depending on the size of the wound and individual factors of the patient. Usually, the initial healing period takes about one to two weeks, although minor wounds may be able to heal within a week.

During this time, the affected area should have healed to the point where you can brush your teeth and eat as usual. However, larger wound areas can take two to three weeks, and the underlying bone may even take three to four months to heal completely.

During the healing period, new bone and gum tissue grows in the resulting gap. In the long term, however, an untreated gap can cause the remaining healthy teeth to shift and the jawbone to regress in the affected area. This can affect your bite and cause the surrounding teeth to lose stability. Therefore, it is advisable to provide the resulting tooth gap with dentures as soon as possible after the healing process has been completed.

After a tooth extraction, one should rest for a period of up to two days. This applies not only to physical work, but also to sports activities. Especially if you have existing circulatory problems, you should adhere to this recommendation and possibly even stop exercising for a longer period of time.

A follow-up visit to the dentist is essential to detect and treat possible complications after surgery at an early stage. It is important to follow the dentist's instructions and ask if anything is unclear.

What preparations need to be made before a surgical tooth extraction?

There are some important preparations to be made before surgical tooth extraction to minimize complications and risks.

• Diseases and medications: Inform your dentist about any existing illnesses, such as heart and circulatory diseases or diabetes, as well as about intolerances and the use of medications, especially blood thinners such as Marcumar or ASA. In case of uncertainty, the dentist will contact the attending physician. If you have a heart or allergy passport, present it to your dentist. In some cases, it may be necessary to take an antibiotic before treatment – your dentist will tell you this, as well as information on how to take or stop taking certain medications.
• Painkillers and diet: Avoid painkillers for prevention and caffeinated beverages before surgery. These can lead to complications during the procedure or during wound healing. However, a healthy and easily digestible meal before treatment is recommended. In addition, avoid hectic and heavy physical exertion on the way to the practice to prevent increased bleeding during the procedure.

It is important to follow your dentist's individual instructions carefully and ask if you are unsure. Keep these preparatory measures in mind and work with your dentist to make the procedure as safe and complication-free as possible.

Anxiety patients

Dr. Frank Willebrand – Our specialist for surgical tooth extraction

Frank Willebrand is an experienced oral surgeon who specializes in the surgical removal of teeth. In the practice of Dr. Nina van Sprundel, he brings his extensive expertise to the best possible care for patients during the removal of teeth.

Dr. Willebrand has in-depth knowledge of modern techniques and takes a minimally invasive approach to minimize swelling, pain, and healing time for patients. With his know-how and conscientious way of working, he ensures that the extraction of teeth and wisdom tooth extraction is safe and comfortable for patients.

Frank Willebrand