Dr. Sunil Gupta

A healthy set of teeth is essential for good living. However, teeth problems are widespread and you are susceptible to it at any age, at any time. Though there are medications available for tooth problems, sometimes extraction of the tooth remains the only plausible solution. 

You may have to undergo tooth extraction for multiple reasons. Some of them are:

1. Unaligned teeth: In case you are suffering from unaligned teeth, chances are that you may suffer from what in technical terms is known as "crowded mouth." In such a situation you have difficulty in eating as there is not enough room for the teeth in the mouth. Extraction of tooth, in this case, is the only way to rectify it and align the teeth in a better fashion.
2. Infection: Sometimes if you suffer from a tooth infection, it tends to quickly spread to the pulp, affecting and damaging the blood vessels and different nerves. Though medications are available, if the intensity of the infection increases, extraction of tooth remains the only option.

Procedure: There are different steps that are involved in the extraction of teeth. They are:

1. Local anesthesia: Like all other surgeries, administering a local anesthesia is the first step. If you are undergoing a tooth extraction, the dentist or the surgeon will inject anesthesia that will create numbness and soothe you of the ensuing pain.
2. Cutting away gum and bone tissues: After the anesthesia, the dentist will proceed to extract the infected tooth. In order to do this, the doctor cuts away the gum and the tissues covering the tooth. After the root of the infected tooth has been exposed, the dentist would then with the help of forceps, sever it from the jaw.

After the surgery, you must observe certain precautions to expedite the recovery process. Some of them are:

1. Take painkillers: After the tooth extraction, the possibility of suffering from an ensuing pain is incredibly high. Therefore, in most cases the dentist prescribes certain painkillers and you must take them regularly.
2. Change the dressing: The operated area will be covered with bandages to preclude any infection. However, the dressing must be changed from time to time. If the same dressing remains for a long time, chances of an infection increase.
3. Complete rest: After the extraction, you must take complete rest and not engage in any form of physical activity.
4. Avoid certain foods: Just after the surgery, the operated area remains tender. Therefore, you must eat food that requires less effort to chew like soup, pudding, ice cream etc. You must also abstain from smoking and drinking for some time.

Gum disease is characterized by inflammation of the gums caused by the bacteria present in plaque (a colorless and sticky film on the teeth). This disease affects the soft tissue and the bones surrounding the teeth. The bacteria causes irritation in the gums leading to infection and bleeding, while brushing your teeth.

The symptoms of gum disease are bleeding gums, over sensitive gums, continuous bad breath, change in the normal placement of teeth etc.

Following are a number of reasons why gum diseases occur, some of them are: 

1. Prevailing diseases: Sometimes diseases, such as malignant tumors and AIDS can disrupt the immune system of the body. Due to the malfunctioning immune system, the gums become vulnerable to issues such as cavities.
2. Smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking and alcohol consumption cause problems in the gum tissue as the gums lose their ability to repair themselves effectively.
3. Hormonal changes: Changes in behavior of the hormones in the body can increase sensitivity in the gums. This can make the gums prone to diseases.
4. Not following proper dental hygiene: Not brushing and flossing on a regular basis can cause plaque accumulation in the teeth. The bacteria present in the plaque may cause gum diseases.
5. Family history: If many people in the family have suffered from gum disorders, then your chances of getting gum diseases are relatively higher.

How can you prevent gum disease?
Gum diseases can be prevented by following proper dental hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing on a regular basis are the best methods of preventing gum diseases. Regular dental checkups are also recommended to identify any gum problems early and also prevent them. Modifications in lifestyle such as limiting smoking, eating a diet rich in antioxidants and reducing stress can also help in preventing gum diseases.

Severe cases of gum diseases may require surgery but mild cases can disappear by following a proper dental hygiene. Gum diseases have also been known to be associated with diabetes and heart diseases.

1. What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a standard for tooth replacement. An implant is a small “support” made of titanium and placed into the jawbone at the point of a missing tooth root. After the implant has attached to the adjacent bone, a replacement tooth is positioned on top of the implant.

2. Do the new teeth look natural?
The new teeth have a natural-like appearance and feel.

3. Am I a suitable candidate for the procedure?
Overall good health and enough jaw bone are the vital requirements. If you are fit for tooth extraction, then you can have an implant. Individuals who have lost teeth due to disease, decay or injury are suitable candidates for the procedure. After taking complete medical history and x-rays it can be decided.

4. How successful is it?
They have been used for over thirty years and have shown high success rates. To ensure that implants last for long, one should practice good oral hygiene.

5. Is the procedure painful?
Anesthesia is administered during the surgery. Your dental implant dentist may prescribe pain medication to ease any discomfort after the surgery. Most patients report minor discomfort when they get home. Many patients feel okay the next day and can return to work.

6. How long does it take?
The time needed relies on the complexity and number of implants. A straightforward and uncomplicated dental implant may take less than 1 hour.

7. Am I allowed to eat after the surgery?
It is advisable to avoid exposing a recent surgical site to food. One is advised to take soft foods and to stay hydrated. We will guide you accordingly.

8. How long does the healing and placing of the implant crown take?
The duration mainly depends on your treatment plan; but mostly takes about two to six months. There are two major stages. At first, the implant should heal before we place the replacement crown.

9. How long will the implants last?
After the fusion of the implant to the bone, it can last for several years if it is well maintained. Many implants have stayed in place for over forty years.

10. Are dental implants costly?
The cost is relative. They are a little more costly than bridgework, but they last for much longer. Thus, more cost effective.

11. Will my insurance cover for the costs?
It depends on the individual plan. Talk to your insurance provider.

12. Can my body reject the implant?
An allergy to titanium is rare, but may occur. At times, the implant does not fuse to the bone during the first time, but on the second trial, it fuses.