What is a 20 piece tooth extraction?

A 20-piece tooth extraction refers to the procedure where 20 teeth are removed from the patient in one or more sessions. This practice may be necessary for a variety of medical reasons, such as advanced periodontal disease, severe infections, severely damaged teeth that cannot be repaired, or to prepare the mouth for full orthodontic treatment or the fitting of dental prostheses such as dentures. This approach is generally considered an extreme measure and is only undertaken after a full assessment by a dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and when other less invasive treatment options have been deemed unsuitable or ineffective.

How does 20 piece dental surgery work?

Dental surgery involving the extraction of 20 teeth is a complex procedure that requires careful planning, and is generally carried out as follows:

Preliminary evaluation: Before surgery, the patient undergoes a complete evaluation, including X-rays or 3D scans to assess the health of the teeth, gums and jawbone. This helps the dentist or surgeon plan the procedure precisely.

Treatment planning: The dentist discusses with the patient the goals of treatment, the options available (including dentures after extractions), and what to expect during and after surgery.

Anesthesia: Surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s comfort level.

Tooth Extraction: Teeth are routinely extracted. In the case of a 20-piece extraction, this can be performed in a single session or spread over several appointments, depending on the patient’s medical situation and ability to tolerate a lengthy procedure.

Pain and bleeding management: After extraction, measures are taken to control pain and bleeding. This may include the prescription of analgesics, the application of gauze compresses, and instructions for home care.

Post-operative care: The patient receives detailed instructions on post-operative care, including oral hygiene, nutrition and pain management. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.

Follow-up: Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, adjust temporary or permanent dentures if necessary, and ensure that the patient is recovering properly.

Things to consider after a 20 tooth extraction

After a major tooth extraction, such as the removal of 20 teeth, there are several important considerations to take into account to ensure optimal healing and manage the aftermath of the procedure:

Rest: It’s crucial to get enough rest after surgery to allow the body to recover.

Diet: Adopt a liquid or soft diet for the first few days to avoid disturbing the extraction sites. Choose nutritious, easy-to-eat foods such as soups, smoothies and purées.

Oral hygiene: Carefully follow your dentist’s oral hygiene instructions to prevent infection. This may include using antiseptic mouthwashes and avoiding vigorous rinsing or the use of straws, which can disrupt the formation of blood clots in the alveoli.

Pain management: Use medications prescribed or recommended by your dentist to manage pain. Also apply ice to the cheeks to reduce swelling.

Avoid smoking: Smoking can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of infection.

Medical follow-up: Attend all follow-up appointments so that your dentist can monitor your healing and intervene if necessary.

Dentures: Discuss with your dentist the plan for replacing extracted teeth, whether with temporary or permanent dentures, to restore the function and aesthetics of your smile.

Pain after 20 tooth extractions

Pain after the extraction of 20 teeth is a legitimate concern and can vary in intensity depending on the individual and the complexity of the extractions. Here’s how to manage the pain:

Pain medication: Take prescribed painkillers according to your dentist’s instructions. For moderate pain, over-the-counter analgesics may suffice.

Cold compress: Apply a cold compress to the cheek at regular intervals (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to reduce swelling and pain.

Rest: Keeping the head elevated when resting can help reduce swelling.

Gentle diet: A gentle diet helps prevent chewing pain.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but avoid sucking or using a straw, as this can disrupt blood clots.

Avoid Intense Physical Activity: Activities that increase blood pressure can aggravate pain and promote bleeding.

What causes inflammation after tooth extraction?

Inflammation after tooth extraction is the body’s natural response to the surgical procedure. It can be caused by a number of factors:

Trauma Response: Tooth extraction is a form of trauma to oral tissues, triggering an inflammatory response to begin the healing process.

Infection: If bacteria enter the extraction site after surgery, this can cause infection, aggravating the inflammation.

Difficulty of Extraction: Complex extractions or those requiring significant manipulation of surrounding tissue can lead to greater inflammation.

Immune Response: The immune system reacts to extraction as it would to an injury, sending inflammatory cells to help heal the area.

What causes bleeding after tooth extraction?

Bleeding after tooth extraction is also a normal reaction of the body to the procedure. Causes include

Cutting Blood Vessels: Extraction involves cutting blood vessels in and around the extracted tooth, resulting in natural bleeding.

Clot Formation Failure: A blood clot normally forms in the tooth socket to protect the underlying bone and nerves. If this clot is disrupted or fails to form properly, prolonged bleeding can result.

Poor Blood Coagulation: Patients with bleeding disorders or taking certain medications that affect coagulation may experience increased bleeding.

Infection: Infections can also cause or increase bleeding.

Do you smoke after a tooth extraction?

Smoking is strongly discouraged after a dental extraction for several reasons:

Blood clot disruption: Smoking can disrupt the blood clot formed in the tooth socket, which can lead to a painful condition called dry socket.

Slower healing: Chemical substances in cigarette smoke can slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection.

Increased risk of infection: Smoking creates a favorable environment for bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of post-operative infection.

Can I eat after a 20 dental extraction?

After a tooth extraction, it’s important to wait for the local anesthetic to wear off before eating, to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. Once the numbness has worn off, you can start eating, but there are some precautions to take, especially after a major procedure :

Soft foods: Favour soft, easy-to-chew foods for the first few days. Soups, yoghurts, purées and compotes are good choices.

Avoid Hot Foods: Very hot foods and beverages can increase the risk of bleeding and disrupt blood clot formation.

Avoid hard or crunchy foods: These foods can irritate or injure the extraction site.

Eat on the Opposite Side: If possible, chew on the side of the mouth not affected by the extraction.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water, but avoid using a straw as the suction may disrupt the blood clot.

Suspected inflammation after a 20  dental extraction?

If you suspect inflammation after a dental extraction, even several years after the procedure, it’s important to consult a dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon for evaluation. Signs of inflammation or infection may include:

Persistent or increasing pain: Pain that doesn’t diminish over time or that intensifies could indicate an infection.

Redness and swelling: Increased redness or swelling around the area may be a sign of inflammation.

Warmth to the touch: The affected area may feel abnormally warm to the touch.

Discharge: Unusual discharge or pus may indicate infection.

Fever: A high body temperature may be a sign that the body is fighting an infection.

What should I eat after 20 dental extractions?

After undergoing 20 dental extractions, it’s crucial to choose foods that will promote healing while minimizing the risk of pain or infection. Here are some dietary recommendations:

Soft, easy-to-swallow foods: Opt for foods that require little or no chewing, such as warm (not hot) soups, vegetable purées, fruit compotes and smoothies.

Nutrient-rich foods: Choose foods rich in vitamins and minerals to support the healing process, such as vegetable soups, yogurts, and fruit and vegetable smoothies.

Avoid hard, crunchy or very spicy foods: these can irritate or injure the extraction sites.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and very hot or acidic drinks.

How many days does swelling last after the 20 tooth extraction?

Swelling after a major tooth extraction is a normal reaction of the body. Swelling usually peaks within 48 to 72 hours of the operation and then begins to diminish. Most patients experience a significant reduction in swelling within 7 to 10 days. However, the exact duration of swelling may vary depending on individual response to surgery, extraction techniques employed, and adherence to post-operative instructions.

Price for Dental Extraction for 20 tooth 2024

The cost of a dental extraction for 20 teeth can vary considerably depending on several factors, including the complexity of the extractions, the need for general anesthesia, the geographic location of the dental practice or clinic, and the qualifications of the professional performing the extraction. In addition, the total cost can be influenced by necessary post-operative care, including pain medication and antibiotics, as well as tooth replacement options, such as dentures or implants.