Most tooth extractions are required due to tooth decay
Before proceeding with a tooth extraction, we conduct a complete exam to ensure this is the right treatment for you. Using X-rays and an oral exam, we evaluate your situation and determine if the procedure or another is the right one for you.
For routine tooth extractions, most patients will be entirely comfortable with only local anesthetic to numb the area. However, for wisdom teeth removal or more involved cases, some patients may benefit from sedation. This can be ideal for patients having a longer procedure or who experience anxiety.
Your dentist will then begin the process of removing the tooth. The technique and tools used can vary, depending on the remaining tooth structure, position, and shape of the tooth to be extracted. The process usually involves a gradual loosening of the tooth before extracting it with dental forceps.
Once the tooth is out, we clean the infection from the extraction site. In some cases, the extraction site may require bone graft to reconstruct the affected bone structure or sutures to promote proper healing.
Patients are often surprised at how quickly the mouth can heal following a tooth extraction. Even for extensive cases, such as wisdom teeth removal, patients may only need to take one day off from work or school. The total recovery period can vary, but most patients will see full recovery within 1-2 weeks.
This category covers extractions performed to remove teeth that are putting your oral health at risk. Typically, this involves teeth that are damaged (from injury or decay) or affected by gum disease. While saving a tooth is always a priority, extraction can occasionally be the only way to protect your overall oral health. These typically are the fastest and most straightforward option.
Also called your third molars, wisdom teeth can cause problems for many patients. While some people have enough room for wisdom teeth in their mouth, many others do not. If a patient does not have space for their wisdom teeth, they can experience a range of problems, including infection, discomfort, teeth misalignment, and more. For these cases your dentist might suggest to have the wisdom teeth removed.
wisdom teeth are impacted if they do not fully erupt from the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can prove an exceptional problem to one's oral health, and removing them tends to prove the best solution. This type of procedure can be more complex than basic extractions and may take longer to recover. Thus, some patients prefer having sedation in addition to local anesthetic for this procedure.
Patients may require extractions for orthodontic reasons, such as overcrowding or malocclusion.
We always use extraction as a last resort option, and if there is a way to preserve a patient's tooth we always explore that avenue first. However, it is sometimes the best solution to prevent future issues or health risks.
Wisdom teeth issues are the most common reason for having a tooth pulled. In some cases, patients may have wisdom teeth removed after symptoms occur. But it is often a good idea to remove them before they begin causing issues. Your dentist can let you know whether you or your child would benefit from wisdom teeth removal as a preventative measure.
Severe gum disease, tooth decay, fractured teeth or oral injuries are the other most common causes of needing one. When a tooth is damaged beyond a certain point and is no longer restorable, removing it may be best. Afterward, patients have the options to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant, bridge or removable prosthetics, which function and look just like a natural tooth.
Once the numbing wears off, patients can expect some mild pain and swelling around the extraction site. Minor bleeding and bruising are also normal but quickly resolve in most cases. If there is any pain it usually lasts about 2-3 days and then gradually fades after that. However, you can manage the pain rather comfortably with pain medication. For about 1 week, patients will need to have a modified diet consisting of mostly soft foods and ensure no food gets trapped in the extraction sites.
After about 1-2 weeks, patients should see complete resolution of pain and swelling. However, if any side effects persist, we encourage you to call our office and we can see you for a follow-up visit.
Most dental insurance policies do cover tooth extractions, particularly if the procedure is needed to address wisdom teeth or teeth at-risk due to decay or infection. However, we advise checking with your insurance provider to fully understand the specifics of your plan.
Patients can typically return to work, school or normal exercise routine only
1-2 days after a tooth extraction procedure.
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