When treating our patients, our goal is to preserve their oral health. For many patients, we can find a solution that doesn’t involve invasive procedures. However, in some cases, it is necessary to remove a tooth. While it is usually a last option, you may need a tooth extraction to protect your oral health. We understand that tooth extractions can be a concern for many patients. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the process with care and expertise.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone and gum tissue. A dentist or oral surgeon typically performs this procedure, often using local anesthesia to numb the area.
Why Would You Need a Tooth Extraction?
While a tooth extraction isn’t the first solution, it can improve your oral health. There are a few instances when you might need a tooth extraction.
Severe Decay or Damage: When a tooth has decay or damage, we try to use fillings or crowns to restore the tooth. However, it is possible that these restorations can’t fix the damage. Therefore, you may need a tooth extraction to prevent further infection and pain.
Gum Disease: Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can lead to the loosening of teeth due to the destruction of supporting bone and tissues. In some cases, extraction is the best option to preserve overall oral health.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to erupt properly in the mouth. When they become impacted (stuck beneath the gum line), they can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Extraction is often recommended in these cases.
Orthodontic Treatment: In some orthodontic cases, tooth extraction may be necessary to create space for the proper alignment and bite correction.
Crowding: Overcrowding of teeth can lead to alignment issues, difficulty cleaning, and increased risk of dental problems. Removing a tooth or teeth can help create space and improve overall dental health.
Risk of Infection: For those with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplant recipients, even the risk of a minor infection in a tooth may warrant extraction.
Trauma: Teeth that have been severely damaged due to accidents or trauma may need to be extracted if they cannot be saved.
Recovering from a Tooth Extraction
Many patients worry about the pain of a tooth extraction. However, tooth extraction is no more painful than other dental procedures. In fact, you won’t feel any pain during your procedure due to local anesthesia. Furthermore, there are certain ways that you can improve your recovery.
Immediately After the Procedure
- Bite on a gauze pad placed over the extraction site to help control bleeding.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid spitting, rinsing, or using a straw for the first 24 hours to prevent dislodging the blood clot that forms in the socket.
- Apply an ice pack to the outside of the face near the extraction site to reduce swelling.
Eating and Drinking
- Stick to soft foods and liquids initially, gradually reintroducing solid foods as you heal.
- Avoid hot foods or drinks immediately after the extraction.
Oral Hygiene
- Continue brushing and flossing gently, but avoid the extraction site
- After the first 24 hours, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day to promote healing and reduce bacteria.
Healing Time
- The initial healing period usually takes about 1-2 weeks, during which the gum tissue and bone will begin to fill in the space left by the extracted tooth.
- Complete healing of the extraction site may take several weeks to a few months.