Removing molar teeth can be a necessary step in maintaining good oral health. Molars are some of the largest and strongest teeth, located at the back of your mouth. They are essential for chewing and helping to grind food before swallowing. If you have an infection or decay that affects these vital teeth, it may be necessary to extract them.
The process for removing molar teeth is similar to other tooth extractions but requires extra care due to their size and location. Your dentist will first administer local anesthesia or sedation if needed to make the procedure painless. Sometimes, it may also be beneficial to remove the entire tooth socket and surrounding soft tissue during the extraction process in order to ensure the complete removal of any infection or decay.
After the extraction is complete, your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for the area. This may include getting plenty of rest, avoiding physical activities that could strain the area, and taking any medications prescribed by your doctor. It is important to follow any instructions provided as this can help ensure a successful recovery.
Your dentist may also recommend replacing the molar tooth with an artificial one. This can help prevent further infections or decay and allow you to maintain proper oral hygiene. In some cases, these options may not be necessary and your dentist will provide guidance based on your individual circumstances.
Molar teeth and their function
Molar teeth perform an important function in the human mouth
They are responsible for grinding food, which has already been crushed in advance by the incisors.
What are the reasons that lead to the need to extract a molar tooth?
There are various reasons why a molar tooth may need to be extracted. However, in general, this should always be the last resort.
- If there is a chance of alleviating the symptoms, it is essential to refrain from tooth extraction, as pulling molars is called in technical language.
- In modern dental treatment is always trying to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. You can read more information here: Minimally invasive treatment.
The dentist can usually make a good assessment of whether it is necessary to extract the molar tooth.
The following reasons may make tooth extraction necessary
In this section, you will find the most common causes:
Molar tooth extraction due to damage
Caries are the enemy of every tooth and can cause so much damage in the long run that extraction is the only option.
- People with gingivitis or periodontitis should also take the problem by the scruff of the neck as soon as possible
- Over time, these diseases cause teeth to become loose and no longer have a tight fit
If the tooth can already be moved with the tongue, it is already too late. At that point, it is usually inevitable to have to pull the molar.
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Pulling a molar due to a fracture
If your tooth is broken, it doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be extracted
Much more important is where the fracture is located.
- If only a piece of the tooth is broken off, the damage can usually be repaired with a partial crown.
- If, however, the fracture is within the gum or the tooth is severely wobbly, the chances of healing are rather slim.
To be able to see the extent of the damage, the dentist takes an X-ray. From this he can see to what extent a cure is possible.
Molar tooth extraction due to lack of space
Jaw misalignment can cause crowding, so that teeth that are actually healthy have to be extracted to make room.
This is particularly common with wisdom teeth.
Molar extraction as a preventive measure
In some cases, healthy molars must be extracted to prevent infections or secondary diseases.
This is a preventive measure intended to prevent diseases from becoming worse or treatments from becoming more difficult.
For example, teeth may be pulled as a preventive measure during these medical procedures:
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy:To prevent tooth damage from the radiation.
- Cardiac valve replacement: To prevent endocarditis, which is often caused by dental germs.
- Organ transplants: To avoid rejection of the transplanted organ, as this is often caused by dental germs.
In what cases should an extraction not be performed?
However, it is not always possible or advisable to extract a tooth. Some diseases entail that patients are not allowed to undergo surgery.
In these cases, the dentist must (for the time being) refrain from pulling the molar tooth – even if it means pain.
Generally, it is not advisable to have a molar tooth extracted if the following diseases are present in the patient:
- Bleeding tendency
- Allergy to anesthetic
- Tumor in the area to be operated
- Cardiovascular disease
- Suppressed immune system
As always, a dentist can help you better in a personal conversation than any guidebook on the Internet. Don’t be afraid of the dentist.
Thanks to modern treatment methods, visits to the dentist are unpleasant, but often painless.
How to tell if a molar needs to be extracted
There are some signs that indicate a tooth may need to be pulled
- For one thing, a toothache is an unmistakable sign that something is wrong
- Intense bad breath is often associated with dental problems as well.
- Also, if the tooth wobbles badly, action must be taken.
Whether the tooth actually needs to be extracted or whether there are alternative treatments, the dentist can determine in a treatment.
Back tooth pull: So runs the tooth extraction
As a rule, you will go through the following steps:
Examination and consultation:After getting an initial overview, the dentist will make a diagnosis.
- Sometimes this requires an x-ray or closer observation, but this is not always the case.
- Before he starts to pull your molars, he will first explain to you the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment.
Also complications should come up here, so you with possible risks is familiar.
Anesthesia:If you agree with the treatment method proposed by the dentist, anesthesia or anesthesia will be applied first.
The drug is thereby injected under the gums and causes the affected tooth and surrounding areas to become insensitive to pain.
The anesthetic needs to take effect for about a 15-30 minutes before the doctor can begin pulling the tooth.
Pulling a molar tooth:The first thing the dentist does is perform preparatory steps.
- To make the molar easy to pull, the first step is to loosen the surrounding gums and cut the retaining fibers.
- Once this is done, the doctor uses forceps to try to pull out the tooth as well as all of its roots.
- Particular care is required here, as it can quickly happen that a root is overlooked and remains in the gum.
Once the dentist is satisfied that all remnants of the tooth have been removed, he then cleans the wound and sutures it closed if necessary.
Aftercare:After the molar has been extracted, gauze swabs must usually be left in the mouth.
This will stop the bleeding. Following the treatment, you should also avoid coffee, black tea and alcohol, as well as avoid physical exertion to ensure that there is no secondary bleeding & bleeding gums.
How long does it take to have a molar tooth extracted?
Having a molar tooth extracted is not too time consuming.
However, the ultimate length of time depends on how many roots the tooth has and how much they are anchored in the bone.
- Previous treatments on the same tooth, can make extraction more difficult. The experience of the dentist also plays a major role.
- As a rule, it can be assumed that an expert in his field has extracted a tooth within a few minutes.
If it is a procedure with many complications, the molar extraction may well take longer.
How painful is it to have a molar tooth extracted?
Since pain is perceived completely individually, no general statement can be made on this.
In general, however, it can be said that nowadays it is common to inject an anesthetic when a molar tooth is extracted.
This dulls the pain. However, patients report an uncomfortable feeling of pressure that can occur when the dentist pulls and jerks on the tooth.
Tip:If you notice during a tooth extraction that the pain is very intense, you should bring it to the dentist’s attention. He will re-inject the anesthesia in that case.
When is general anesthesia used and when is anesthesia only used?
A classic anesthesia when pulling teeth is quite normal and is used by almost all patients.
Only the tooth itself and the surrounding areas are anesthetized. A general anesthesia, on the other hand, is rarely used.
This is medically provided only if several teeth must be extracted or if the procedure is particularly painful or complex. There is also the possibility of such sedation for anxiety patients.
What are the risks of extracting molars?
If you need to have a molar tooth extracted, you should be informed of the risks in advance by your dentist.
In most cases, treatments can be completed without problems. In individual cases, however, difficulties may arise.
The following risks exist during molar extraction:
- A tooth or root may break off
- Pain may occur
- There may be secondary bleeding
In rare cases, the following problems may occur:
- The anesthetic is not tolerated
- Umbrounding teeth are loosened or damaged
- Tissue is injured gets into the maxillary sinus
In conclusion, the following risks are extremely rare:
- A tooth or root is swallowed
- The temporomandibular joint is dislocated
- A fracture occurs at the temporomandibular joint
Can I pull a molar tooth myself?
It is almost impossible to pull a fixed molar tooth yourself.
The roots are so deeply anchored in the jawbone that extraction is very difficult.
Trying it anyway can lead to serious injury and, as a result, inflammation of the tooth nerve. Therefore, it’s best to let a professional get to work from the beginning.
Can I extract a loose molar tooth myself?
In this case, too, it is advisable to consult a professional dentist, as only with him can you be sure of optimal care.
However, since many people are reluctant to see a dentist, it is necessary to assess whether the tooth is loose enough to pull it out on their own.
People who want to pull their loose molar tooth themselves usually proceed as follows (it is strongly not recommended that these steps be taken without dental supervision)
Preparations:
- Wash your hands
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash
- Disinfect the tooth and surrounding areas
- Numb the tooth and surrounding areas a little with an ice cube
Tooth extraction:
- Take the tooth between your thumb and forefingers and wiggle it until the roots have loosened and you can unscrew the tooth.
Aftercare:
- Stop light bleeding with a gauze swab or cloth handkerchief. Do not use paper tissues, as they leave fibers, which can cause inflammation.
- Do not eat food for several hours.
- Gurgle instead with sage tea to help soothe the wound.
Note:You’d better go to the dentist to get proper treatment and prevent expensive damage to your teeth.
How long does it take to heal?
As a rule, you can expect that the wound has already contracted a little after one to three days and will be closed on the surface after about a week.
During this time, you should also be especially careful with dental care.
You should avoid using an electric toothbrush (gentle sonic toothbrushes, Oral-B electric toothbrushes, or ultrasonic toothbrushes, in which the brush head does not move, are also taboo)
You should also check with your dentist about flossing, mouthwashes & mouth rinses.
You may still need to take pain medication for the first few days.
If the pain does not subside or you keep bleeding, you should not hesitate and consult your dentist.
Pulling a molar tooth: The first point of contact is the dentist
When it comes to dental procedures, the dentist is your first point of contact. Guidebooks on the Internet provide valuable information that you can use to get an initial overview.
However, in case of pain and problems, the professionally trained dentist should always be your first choice.
What you can do yourself: Prevention through dental care
However, you have a far better way to ensure healthy teeth than any dentist.
Daily teeth cleaning & thorough preventive care will not only save you expensive treatments at the dentist, but also a lot of pain.
Therefore, invest in your dental hygiene:
- Browse this page to learn more about proper dental care:
- You may also decide to get a new electric toothbrush.
Whether you put some time or money into your dental care, it will definitely pay off for you.
Aftercare instructions following lower or upper molar tooth extraction
After a patient undergoes a lower or upper molar tooth extraction, it is important to follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure a speedy and comfortable recovery. The first and most important step is to make sure the patient follows the post-operative instructions given by their dentist or oral surgeon. Typically, these instructions will involve avoiding chewing on the extraction site for a few days, refraining from drinking through a straw, and gently cleaning the area with a saline solution or chlorhexidine rinse to keep bacteria at bay.
Additionally, the patient may experience some swelling and discomfort after the procedure. They can manage this by regularly applying ice to the affected area, taking any prescribed pain medication, and keeping their head elevated while they sleep. It is also essential for the patient to maintain a soft food diet for the first few days following the extraction, as harder foods may cause discomfort or disrupt the healing process.
Finally, it is important for the patient to monitor the extraction site for any signs of infection, such as persistent pain, redness, or discharge. If any of these symptoms occur, the patient should contact their dentist or oral surgeon immediately, as they may need antibiotics or other specialized care to prevent complications.
By following these aftercare instructions carefully and attentively, patients can minimize discomfort and promote optimal healing following a upper or lower molar tooth extraction.
Aftercare instructions following lower or upper molar tooth extraction
After a patient undergoes a lower or upper molar tooth extraction, it is important to follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure a speedy and comfortable recovery. The first and most important step is to make sure the patient follows the post-operative instructions given by their dentist or oral surgeon. Typically, these instructions will involve avoiding chewing on the extraction site for a few days, refraining from drinking through a straw, and gently cleaning the area with a saline solution or chlorhexidine rinse to keep bacteria at bay.
Additionally, the patient may experience some swelling and discomfort after the procedure. They can manage this by regularly applying ice to the affected area, taking any prescribed pain medication, and keeping their head elevated while they sleep. It is also essential for the patient to maintain a soft food diet for the first few days following the extraction, as harder foods may cause discomfort or disrupt the healing process.
Finally, it is important for the patient to monitor the extraction site for any signs of infection, such as persistent pain, redness, or discharge. If any of these symptoms occur, the patient should contact their dentist or oral surgeon immediately, as they may need antibiotics or other specialized care to prevent complications.
By following these aftercare instructions carefully and attentively, patients can minimize discomfort and promote optimal healing following a upper or lower molar tooth extraction.
