Fortunately, extraction is becoming less and less common, thanks to the numerous treatment options that modern dentistry offers. It wasn’t that long ago that the dentist’s first and often only response to a toothache was… to extract it. Today, that’s not the case. But there are still cases where a truly diseased tooth cannot and should not be saved. Here are some of them:

1. In case of gangrene or root decay
2. In case of melting of the alveolar bone due to advanced periodontitis
3. In case of impacted teeth that damage the close ones
4. In case of a wisdom-tooth that does not erupt properly, does not function properly, cannot erupt the gum, or favors the spread of infection
5. In case of need to extract a baby tooth that does not show any signs of falling out on its own and at the same time prevents the permanent tooth from erupting and growing properly
6. In case of too large and crowded chewing teeth that impede orthodontic treatment and correction of the dentition
7. In case of fractures and breaks due to physical trauma
8. In case of severe granulomas

Foremost, a local anesthetic is injected and its effect is waited for. When the patient's sensitivity has passed, the tooth can be extracted. The duration of the procedure is strictly individual, it can last from 5 minutes to 20 minutes, in some more complex cases.

When the tooth is extracted, the alveolus is cleaned, if necessary, the wound can be sutured.

• The first thing we advise you to do immediately after returning home is to place an ice pack on the side of the extracted tooth to reduce the swelling from the operation. The swelling will not appear immediately, it will reach its maximum on the second or third day. So, to minimize it, ice packs are applied, and their application is most effective in the first hours after extraction.
• Of course, it is normal to feel pain after the effect of the anesthesia wears off. In this case, it can be treated with painkillers. Follow the dosage recommended by your dentist and do not use those that contain aspirin, as it thins the blood and can provoke bleeding. However, if the pain and bleeding continue for more than two days after the extraction, contact your dentist immediately.
• Do not eat for 2 hours after the procedure, and do not drink alcohol, as well as warm/hot foods and drinks for the next 5 days. Avoid hard or easily disintegrating foods such as nuts, seeds, etc., as they may injure the problem area or get stuck there, which, in turn, increases the risk of infection. In other words, opt for vegetable soups (preferably pureed), cooked vegetables, soft cheeses, ice cream, etc. After a few days, you can diversify with soft meat and soft bread.
• During the entire healing process, you must maintain extremely high oral hygiene, and your teeth should be brushed at least twice a day. In the first days after a tooth is extracted, the clot formed in its place is a rather fragile “plug” that can fall out if the area is overloaded. Therefore, we recommend that the area (including the surrounding 1-2 teeth) not be scrubbed with a toothbrush immediately after the extraction. Gargling with mouthwash is prohibited for the same reason. If food gets into the wound, do not try to remove it with a toothpick, just rinse with lukewarm water.
• After the second day of tooth extraction, you can start rinsing with chamomile decoction. To do this, in 1 liter of water, put two tablespoons of chamomile flowers and boil for 5 minutes. Remove the liquid from the heat, strain and cool. In a teacup, put one teaspoon of baking soda, stir until dissolved and gargle. Chamomile has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps with rapid healing. So within about a week to 10 days, the place should have healed enough and you can eat more calmly, already with one tooth less.
• Avoid smoking tobacco products (even electronic cigarettes, hookahs, pipes, etc.) for at least 7 days after the procedure. Inhaling smoke creates pressure in the oral cavity and thus nicotine passes directly into the blood, through the wound, and this inevitably slows down the healing process.
• Avoid all kinds of physical exertion and sudden movements within a week, as this increases blood pressure and may provoke bleeding or opening of the wound.

If you are in good general health and follow your dentist's instructions carefully, the wound will heal in 7-10 days.