Many patients dread tooth extractions. No one likes to think about having his or her tooth pulled, but when it is necessary, it is important to be well-informed about the procedure and recovery process.

Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?

Even though permanent teeth are meant to last forever, there are reasons why it may be necessary to have a tooth pulled.

Severe Trauma or Decay.  If a tooth has experienced severe trauma or decay and is beyond repair, the patient may feel a great deal of pain. In this case, a tooth extraction will be recommended.

Crowded Mouth.  Some patients have mouths that are too small to comfortably accommodate all of their teeth. The most common example of this is wisdom teeth. The lack of space causes teeth to have trouble erupting through the gums, and force other teeth to move or crowd. To make adequate room, many dentists will recommend an extraction.

Infection.  If decay has seriously damaged the pulp of a tooth, bacteria may enter and cause an infection. In certain cases, a root canal procedure can fix the problem. However, if the infection is too severe, an extraction may be performed to prevent further spreading.

What Can I Expect During a Tooth Extraction Procedure?

Although many patients are scared to have teeth pulled, the actual procedure is painless because local anesthesia is used to numb the area. If multiple teeth are going to be pulled, a patient may be put to sleep with a general anesthesia.

During a routine tooth extraction, a dental professional will expand the socket, which is the bone encasement of the tooth’s root. The tooth is rocked back and forth to separate it from its ligament. As this occurs, the tooth can eventually be lifted from the mouth. Sometimes, it is necessary to break the tooth into various pieces to remove it.  If the tooth is impacted (or growing in sideways due to a lack of room), your dentist may have to cut the gum and tissue around the tooth in order to pull it.

If you are awake, you may feel pressure during the procedure, but you should not feel any significant pain. You may hear some cracking or minor snapping as well.

Following the extraction, a blood clot will form in the socket. The area will be packed with gauze to stop the bleeding. If the surgical area is large, your dentist may use stitches to close the space. According to the American Dental Association, guarding the clot that has formed is very important. This will help to prevent recovery complications. Your dentist will advise you to avoid suction in the mouth, especially from smoking or drinking through a straw. Also, avoid anything that contains alcohol for at least 24 hours.

What is the Recovery Process After a Tooth Extraction?

If you undergo a tooth extraction, please continue to follow a regular oral care routine. Brushing and flossing should continue as normal around the socket, albeit carefully as to not disturb the area. The following day, you can gently rinse with a salt water solution.

You may be prescribed medication to control pain, inflammation, and infection. It is normal to experience some minor discomfort after an extraction. However, if severe pain or bleeding continues for more than a few hours, contact your dentist.

If you have additional questions about a tooth extraction, contact our office. We can recommend the best course of action for problematic teeth, and help you maintain excellent oral health.