Tooth extractions are only performed in cases where removing the tooth will benefit your long-term oral health. Patients with severely decayed or damaged teeth may benefit from a tooth extraction. A patient who requires a tooth extraction may choose to replace their missing tooth with a dental implant depending on the location of the tooth.
Our team always aims to provide the most conservative treatment option to restore health to the teeth and gums. Whenever possible tooth decay will be treated with a dental filling or using dental inlays and onlays. Fillings, inlays and onlays preserve the natural structure of the tooth for a more stable oral foundation.
Tooth extraction is a routine dental procedure that is typically performed in one visit. Patients are made comfortable and may choose to receive a local anesthetic.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
When necessary, we will perform an extraction, which involves carefully and gently removing a tooth. While most of our treatments are designed to save teeth, in some cases improving your oral health means removing them.
A routine dental exam or a consultation with your dentist will help determine if they need to remove a tooth. Each case is unique, and your dentist will help you choose the best course of action.
Here are the most common reasons you may need a tooth extraction:
- Severe tooth decay: When a cavity reaches deep into the tooth, it can cause severe pain and infection. In some cases, the decay damages the tooth beyond repair, necessitating an extraction.
- Severely Damaged Teeth: If a tooth is broken, but so damaged that a crown can’t restore it, we may use extraction to remove it. This prevents the exposed tooth from developing severe decay or an infection. As with all extractions, we will administer a local anesthetic prior to removal to help the patient remain calm and relaxed. For anxious patients, we can also discuss sedation.
- Gum disease: It is possible for advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, to damage the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. If the tooth becomes loose, extraction might be the best option.
- Impacted teeth: Sometimes, teeth do not emerge properly and get stuck in the gums or jawbone. Wisdom teeth often become impacted and require removal.
- Overcrowded mouth: When there isn’t enough space for all your teeth, your dentist might suggest extracting one or more to align your teeth properly.
Severe tooth Infection: A tooth infection that does not respond to antibiotics or root canal treatment might need extraction to prevent the spread of infection.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
The tooth extraction procedure is fairly easy and straightforward. The tooth set for removal will be loosened from the gums at the root. The tooth will gently be rocked back and forth until it can be removed.
You should expect your appointment to last about an hour. If you have a complex case, your procedure time may be longer. Your dentist will inform you of each step and answer any questions you have before starting the procedure.
Once the tooth is removed the empty root socket will be sutured shut to prevent potential infection. Patients typically recover smoothly and without incident in one to two days.
The steps in the tooth extraction process include:
Preparation
Before extracting your tooth, your dentist will take an X-ray of your tooth. This helps them understand the tooth’s position and plan the extraction.
You should inform your dentist about any medications you take and your medical history. If you have any health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, your dentist might take extra precautions to ensure your safety.
During the Procedure
The extraction procedure usually involves the following steps:
- Administer anesthesia: We will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. This ensures you feel no pain during the extraction.
- Loosen the Tooth: Your dentist will use a special dental instrument called an elevator to help loosen the tooth. The elevator helps separate the tooth from the surrounding tissues and bone.
- Remove the Tooth: Then, your dentist will pull the tooth out of the socket with forceps. Taking the tooth out involves gently rocking the tooth back and forth to free it from the socket. In some cases we may need to cut the tooth into smaller pieces for easy removal.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
You will experience some discomfort after the extraction. The dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions, and may prescribe pain medication to minimize and manage your discomfort. Your rate of recovery depends on how well you follow post-op instructions.
- Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours after the extraction to avoid dry socket
- After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with salt and warm water solution
- Change gauze pads before they become soaked with blood
- Do not drink from a straw for 24 hours
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco
- Only eat soft foods for the first 48 hours after the extraction
- Apply ice to the affected area to help keep down the swelling.
- Brush and floss your teeth but be sure to avoid the extraction area
If you notice excessive pain, swelling, or bleeding, contact our Owings Mills dentist office immediately. Our team will provide patients with thorough post-surgery instructions.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common general dentistry procedure we use to avoid dental issues. In most cases, there is not enough space in the mouth for them to erupt. When wisdom teeth do not have enough room to erupt, many patients experience pain, infection, and the misalignment of other teeth.
It is possible for impacted wisdom teeth to developing cysts or tumors, which can damage the jawbone and nerves. Also, wisdom teeth that can only partially erupt create openings around the tooth. These opens allow bacteria to invade the gums leading to gum disease and oral infections.
Many dentists conclude that removing wisdom teeth will prevent these potential issues. It is common for young adults to have their wisdom teeth taken out. Your dentist will monitor the growth of your wisdom teeth during regular dental check-ups. They can suggest extracting them before the teeth can cause major damage to your oral health.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Tooth extractions can be a bit scary, but they are sometimes necessary for your dental health. Whether it’s due to decay, crowding, or other issues, understanding the process can help ease your worries. Below are some frequently asked questions to give you more information about tooth extractions and what to expect during and after the procedure.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
It may take a few days for you to recover. Your mouth heals quickly, so there is no worry of being unable to speak or eat for a long time. First, you will be required to stick to soft foods for the first 24-48 hours. This will prevent the socket from opening up and getting infected. After that, you should avoid anything that causes a sucking motion for a couple of days (avoid using straws and sucking on things like cigarettes and candy).
What is dry socket and is it dangerous?
Dry socket happens when the natural blood clot that has formed in the pocket of where the tooth used to be has fallen out. The natural blood clot is helping the socket heal quickly from tooth extraction. Without it, the socket is exposed to air, food, saliva, and bacteria. When food, saliva, and bacteria become lodged in the clot’s place, it causes pain and discomfort.
How soon can I get a tooth replaced after an extraction?
If you are planning to replace your tooth after a tooth extraction, you will typically need to wait a minimum of 10 weeks. This waiting period allows your mouth to fully heal before any restoration can be placed. Patients typically replace their teeth after extraction with dental implants or dental bridges.
When is a tooth extraction necessary?
A tooth extraction becomes necessary when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or infected and cannot be saved through other dental treatments. It’s also required when a tooth is impacted, meaning it’s stuck and unable to emerge properly, or when there’s overcrowding in the mouth, and removing a tooth is needed to make space.
What can I expect during the tooth extraction procedure?
During a tooth extraction, you can expect a quick and relatively painless procedure. Your dentist will numb the area around the tooth to ensure you feel no discomfort. They’ll gently rock the tooth back and forth to loosen it and then remove it carefully. After the extraction, you might experience some soreness, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
What should I eat after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, it’s best to stick to soft and cool foods for the first few days. Think yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, or even ice cream! These foods are easy on your mouth and help soothe any soreness. Avoid crunchy or hot foods that might irritate the extraction site. Gradually, you can reintroduce solid foods into your diet as you heal.
Will I need stitches after a tooth extraction?
Most simple tooth extractions do not require stitches. However, if your dentist needs to make a small incision or the extraction is more complex, they might use stitches to close the gum and promote healing. These stitches are usually self-dissolving, so you won’t need to have them removed. Your dentist will let you know if stitches are necessary.
How long should I expect bleeding to last after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, it’s normal to experience some bleeding. The bleeding should slow down and stop within the first 24 hours. If the extraction site has more bleeding than normal or the bleeding will not stop, please contact us right away. Excessive bleeding could indicate you have an infection or other complications.
If you have any questions about our approach to tooth removal or our tooth replacement options, please contact our office today: 410-782-3021 or request an appointment online today.