What is a tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction is a procedure performed to remove a tooth has been damaged by physical trauma or decay, impacted teeth, malfunctioning teeth, or teeth that are hard to clean such as the wisdom teeth. Tooth extraction is a common procedure that carries a minimal risk of long-term complications.
You may require an extraction if you are experiencing the following:
- Toothaches from Trauma or Decay: Severe toothaches that cannot be fixed with other restorative treatments may require extraction.
- Bite Difficulty or Jaw Pain: Teeth that cause alignment issues or significant jaw discomfort may need to be removed to improve overall function.
- Impacted Teeth: Teeth, including wisdom teeth, that are stuck beneath the gum or bone tissue and cannot emerge properly may require extraction to prevent infection or further complications.
- Overcrowding: To create space for proper alignment, particularly before orthodontic treatment, extraction of some teeth may be necessary.
Understanding these indications and seeking timely dental care can help you avoid more extensive issues and maintain your oral health. Prompt extraction is crucial for a smooth recovery and long-term dental well-being.
Healthy Smiles Are Possible
Comfortable tooth extractions from Edkin Family Dentistry
Our primary goal at Edkin is to help you maintain your oral health. While we try our best to help you keep as many of your natural teeth as possible, sometimes we have to remove a tooth when it is damaged beyond repair or when your budget cannot accomodate the cost of repair and restoration. Though it sounds complicated, a tooth extraction is a routine procedure that carries a very low risk of long-term complications. The procedure itself is painless, sometimes performed under sedation, and the recovery process is most often a simple affair. With some exceptions depending on individual dental needs, most tooth extraction procedures are successfully completed in only a few minutes.
Here's what you can expect during your extraction treatment at Edkin:
- Imaging (x-ray) and assessment of the affected tooth: A thorough examination is conducted to evaluate the condition of the tooth and plan the extraction.
- Gum and bone are anesthetized using a local numbing agent: Local anesthesia is administered to ensure that you remain comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
- The tooth is removed, with the patient only feeling pressure: The extraction is performed with minimal discomfort, and you will mainly feel pressure rather than pain.
- Education on aftercare steps, and you’re on your way! We provide detailed instructions on how to care for the extraction site to promote healing and prevent complications.
Depending on the type of extraction performed we may prescribe medication to help relieve pain for the first few days following your procedure. So long as the extraction site is kept clean and aftercare instructions are followed, you should be healed in only a few weeks without complication.
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of time to fully heal from an extraction varies between individuals. The healing time is also subject to the type of extraction procedure performed, simple or surgical. Generally, the complete healing of your gums after having a tooth removed will take about 4 to 6 weeks. The socket (space left in your jawbone) can take around 6 months to complete the formation of new bone and to fully heal.
Healing after a tooth extraction begins with blood clot formation and it is imperative that you do not do anything that could distort or disturb the clot. The following behaviors, especially performed in excess, should be avoided in the days and weeks following your extraction procedure:
- Spitting continuously
- Vigorous rinsing
- Eating or drinking very warm/hot food or drink
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Using straws
Avoiding the above behaviors protects you from possible complications following your extraction, the most common of which is called dry socket.
Dry socket is a condition that can occur after the extraction of a tooth. This complication occurs as a result of the blood clot that forms in the socket (empty space left behind in the jawbone) to protect the underlying bone and nerves becoming dislodged, damaged, or dissolved before the healing process is complete. As a result, the socket is left exposed which causes the following:
- Delayed healing time
- Severe pain and sensitivity
- Increased risk of infection
If you are experiencing intense pain, a dry-looking socket (no visible clot or dislodged clot), unpleasant taste, and/or bad breath, please contact our office immediately for treatment.