Our dentists make every effort to preserve your natural teeth. However, extractions are necessary when decay has made the tooth unsalvageable or when you have an advanced periodontal disease. When a tooth is malformed, damaged, impacted or ingrown, different procedures are used, but all extractions are considered surgery. Depending on which tooth is removed, we can offer you a replacement in the form of a dental implant or oral prosthetic.
Do I need my tooth extracted?
The need to extract a tooth is determined by a thorough examination by both clinical and radiographical observation. There are a few reasons why the tooth may need to be extracted. The most common is that the tooth is impacted, which occurs most frequently with wisdom teeth. Other reasons may include a tooth infection, decay and/or a fracture deeming a tooth non-restorable. We will diagnose these conditions and discuss their cause, as well as to how to avoid them in the future.
What should I expect during an extraction procedure?
Prior to Surgery
In preparation for surgery, our office will obtain a full medical and dental history, as well as a list of all medications you take. This includes any vitamins, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs, as well as any medications you are allergic to.
A radiograph is then taken to assess the best way to remove the affected tooth.
You may be required to take antibiotics before or after surgery, depending on the duration of the surgery, or if you have a specific medical condition. We will discuss this with you if necessary.
Day of Surgery
At the time of surgery, we will anesthetize the area around the tooth or teeth to be extracted with a local anesthetic, specifically numbing the affected tooth or teeth, your jawbone and the surrounding gums.
During the simple extraction process it is common to feel a lot of pressure. The affected tooth is firmly rocked back and forth so as to loosen it for removal. You should not feel any pain, just pressure. If, for any reason, you feel pain, please notify us immediately so that they can administer more numbing agent.
Surgical Extraction
A surgical extraction is a slightly more complex procedure that occurs when a tooth has not yet broken through the gum line, or has not yet fully grown into the mouth. When a surgical extraction is needed, we make a small incision into your gum in order to access the affected tooth. From here, the procedure is similar to a simple extraction. We may stitch the incision site if necessary.
How long is the healing process?
It is common to have a small amount of bleeding 24 hours after surgery. We will provide you with detailed instructions after your procedure, but here are some important things to remember:
Medications/Pain Management
Take pain medication as prescribed and recommended by your oral surgeon
Research has shown that taking anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Advil and Motrin (NSAIDs) greatly decrease pain after an extraction
Using an ice pack on your jaw can reduce swelling. 10 minutes on and 20 minutes off is standard for the first 24 hours. A warm compress can be used if your jaw is sore after the swelling has gone down
Eating/Drinking
Eat soft and cool foods for the first few days
Avoid hot foods and alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours
Chew food away from the extraction site
Do not use a straw or spit after surgery. This can cause the blood cut to dislodge, greatly delaying healing
Brushing/Cleaning
Avoid brushing the area around the extraction site for the first 24 hours
Avoid using antiseptic and commercial mouth rinses – they can irritate the extraction site
24 hours after surgery you can rinse with warm salt water after each meal and before bedtime (1/2 teaspoon in one cup of warm water)