Tooth Extraction (脫牙): A Complete Guide to Safe and Effective Tooth Removal

Tooth extraction, known as 脫牙 in Chinese, is one of the most common dental procedures performed worldwide. It involves removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. While most people prefer to keep their natural teeth, extraction may become necessary due to severe decay, trauma, infection, overcrowding, or orthodontic treatment needs. Understanding the procedure, preparation, and aftercare can help patients feel more confident and reduce complications.

Why Tooth Extraction is Necessary

Several dental conditions may require 脫牙:

Severe tooth decay: When decay destroys too much of the tooth structure, filling or crowning may not be sufficient.
Infection or abscess: Deep infections in a tooth that cannot be treated with root canal therapy may necessitate extraction.
Orthodontic reasons: Overcrowding may require removing certain teeth to align the remaining teeth properly.
Impacted teeth: Wisdom teeth that are blocked from erupting may need to be surgically removed.
Trauma: Broken or severely damaged teeth from accidents may require extraction.

Types of Tooth Extraction

There are two main types of 脫牙:

Simple extraction: Done on visible teeth under local anesthesia. The dentist loosens the tooth using an elevator and removes it with forceps.
Surgical extraction: Needed for teeth that are broken, impacted, or not fully erupted. This may involve making an incision in the gum and sometimes removing bone around the tooth.

Preparation for Tooth Extraction

Before extraction, the dentist will evaluate your overall dental health. This may include:

Dental X-rays to assess the tooth and surrounding bone.
Reviewing medical history to check for conditions like bleeding disorders or heart disease.
Discussing anesthesia options, which can be local, sedation, or general depending on complexity.

The Procedure

The dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia. For surgical extractions, sedation may be used for comfort. The tooth is then loosened and removed. In some cases, stitches may be placed to aid healing. The procedure typically lasts 20–40 minutes, depending on complexity.

Post-Extraction Care

After 脫牙, proper care is essential:

Bite on gauze to stop bleeding.
Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting for 24 hours.
Eat soft foods and avoid hot, spicy, or hard items.
Take prescribed painkillers or antibiotics as instructed.
Maintain oral hygiene but avoid brushing the extraction site for the first day.

Recovery and Healing

Healing usually takes 1–2 weeks for the gum to close. Bone may take several months to fully remodel. Common side effects include swelling, minor bleeding, and discomfort, which are usually temporary. A rare but serious complication is dry socket, where the blood clot is dislodged, causing pain and delayed healing.

Risks and Complications

Although generally safe, 脫牙 carries some risks:

Infection at the extraction site
Excessive bleeding
Nerve injury (in lower jaw extractions)
Damage to adjacent teeth
Patients should follow all aftercare instructions and consult their dentist immediately if any unusual symptoms appear.

Conclusion

Tooth extraction, or 脫牙, is a safe and effective solution when necessary. Understanding the procedure, preparation, and recovery can reduce anxiety and ensure successful healing. Always consult a qualified dentist to determine the best course of action for your dental health.