Extractions

While preserving a permanent tooth is ideal, there are some situations where a tooth must be extract in order to keep a patient as healthy as possible. Reasons for extractions range from extreme trauma to advanced tooth decay or infection.

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. If you are facing a tooth extraction, it can seem a little daunting and nerve-wracking. However, tooth extractions are a fairly common procedure.  You have nothing to fear as extractions are only preformed when they offer a great benefit to the patient.

When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

In many cases,  you can repair teeth that are broken or damaged by decay with a filling, crown, or other dental treatment. Sometimes, though, the damage is too severe to repair, so your dentist will recommend extraction. Here are some other reasons tooth extraction might be necessary:

Tooth Extraction Process

Simple Extraction

Removal of a tooth that is visible in your mouth. It’s common for a general dentist to perform simple extractions. During a simple extraction, your dentist will numb the tooth and gum tissue and loosen the tooth with an instrument called an elevator before removing it with dental forceps.

Surgical Extraction

A more complex procedure used for a tooth that may have broken off at the gum line or has not come into the mouth yet. Oral surgeons usually perform surgical extractions; however, general dentists can perform them as well. During a surgical extraction, the doctor will make a small incision (cut) into your gum and remove the underlying tooth.

After the Extraction

The most important thing after a tooth extraction is keeping the area clean to prevent infection. Immediately following the procedure, your dentist might ask you to bite down gently on a piece of dry, sterile gauze. You should keep the gauze in place for 30 to 45 minutes to limit bleeding while clotting takes place. Your dentist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, but for 24 hours following your extraction, you should not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, or clean the teeth next to the extraction site.

You can expect a certain amount of pain and discomfort following an extraction. In some cases, your dentist will recommend a pain killer or prescribe one for you. It might help to apply an ice pack to your cheek to reduce swelling. You should limit strenuous activity, as well as avoid hot liquids and not drink through a straw. Under normal circumstances, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. However, if you experience prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever, call your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars in the back of your mouth. They usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have them removed for one of these reasons:

Frequently Asked Questions

Typically, an anesthetic is administered to the patient to make them feel relaxed and comfortable. Many teeth that need to be extracted have nerves that are dead or dying. As a result, the tooth may not send pain signals out. The extraction itself should not be very painful, but discomfort during recovery is common.
Once the procedure is done, detailed at-home care instructions will be given to the patient. To speed up the recovery and avoid any complications, patients must follow the given at-home instructions diligently. However, do know that the recovery period varies from patient to patient.
Generally, the most bleeding will occur immediately after the extraction, which is why the dentist will place gauze over area for you to bite down on . The heaviest bleeding subsides quickly. In some cases, the extraction site may ooze a little on and off for 12 to 24 hours after the extraction. This is completely normal and is no cause for alarm.
Based on the reason for your need for the treatment, either your dental insurance, medical insurance, or both might cover your tooth extraction. You can call your insurance agency and discuss your insurance benefits.

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