Tooth Extractions

When a tooth cannot be saved, an extraction may be the best option to protect your oral health and prevent further complications.

TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

When is a tooth extraction necessary?

The most common reason for a tooth extraction is due to irreparable tooth decay which can cause a toothache and further disease. When the tooth is at a point where it cannot be repaired with a root canal, this where tooth extractions come in to play. Another reason to remove the tooth is to make room in the mouth to allow for the straightening of teeth. A wisdom tooth is also extracted if it is not positioned correctly or cause crowding.

Types of Extractions

Depending on the condition and accessibility of the tooth, your dentist may perform either a simple or surgical extraction.

Simple Extractions

Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth, usually under local anesthetic, and require only the use of instruments to elevate and/or grasp the visible portion of the tooth. Typically the tooth is lifted using an elevator, and using dental forceps, rocked back and forth until the periodontal ligament has been sufficiently broken and the supporting alveolar bone has been adequately widened to make the tooth lose enough to remove. Typically, when teeth are removed with forceps, slow, steady pressure is applied with controlled force.

Surgical Extractions

Surgical extractions involve the removal of teeth that cannot be easily accessed, either because they have broken under the gum line or because they have not erupted fully. Surgical extractions almost always require an incision. In a surgical extraction, the doctor may elevate the soft tissues covering the tooth and bone and may also remove some of the overlying and/or surrounding jawbone tissue with a drill or osteotome. Frequently, the tooth may be split into multiple pieces to facilitate its removal.

Comfort During the Procedure

The majority of tooth extractions can be performed while the patient is awake using local anesthetic. In some cases, general anesthesia may also be an option depending on the procedure and patient needs.

What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction?

Blood clot forms

A clot typically forms in the socket within the first hour.

Initial bleeding

Some bleeding is normal during the first 24 hours.

Healing time

The gum tissue usually heals in about one week.

Full bone healing

Bone remodeling may take several months.

Following extraction of a tooth, a blood clot forms in the socket, usually within an hour. Bleeding is common in this first hour, but its likelihood decreases quickly as time passes, and bleeding has usually stopped after 24 hours. Smoking is to be avoided for at least 24 hours and it is advised to rinse your mouth with salt water to help prevent infection. Avoid sucking of any type which includes sipping through a straw. The raw open wound overlying the dental socket takes about one week to heal. Thereafter, the socket will gradually fill in with soft gum tissue over a period of about one to two months. Final closure of the socket with bony remodeling can take six months or more.

Important

Aftercare Tips

Don't Smoke

Smoking is to be avoided for at least 24 hours

Rinse

Rinse your mouth gently with salt water to help prevent infection.

Avoid suction

Avoid sucking motions such as drinking through a straw.

Healing process

The socket gradually fills with gum tissue over one to two months while bone remodeling may take six months or more.

it is important to think about

Replacing an Extracted Tooth

During healing time, it is important to think about a tooth replacement option. There are many options for tooth replacement including dentures, bridges, or implants. An extracted tooth leaves an open area in the jaw which, in time, allows the neighboring teeth to drift into the area where the tooth was extracted. This in turn, causes a chain reaction to all the surrounding teeth. Also, if you are considering placing an implant in the future, you should consider asking your dentist to place a bone graft at the time of surgery to preserve the bone width and height.

What Happens Next?

Restore Your Smile After an Extraction

Your dentist can help you choose the best replacement option to maintain the health and alignment of your teeth.