Tooth Extractions – Repair Your Smile & Restore Oral Health

Tooth extractions involve the complete removal of an infected or damaged tooth from its root and socket. You may require a tooth extraction—also known as teeth pulling—due to tooth decay, rotting, or overcrowding.

Tooth extractions are generally performed by your dentist or an oral surgeon. It is a quick and pain-free procedure that will restore your smile and oral health.

When is a Tooth Extraction Recommended?

When possible, dentists try to keep the patient’s natural teeth. However, sometimes the trauma is so severe that complete removal is the only option. When a tooth is beyond repair with other dental procedures, then a tooth extraction is the best solution.

  • Gum disease
  • Tooth decay
  • Infection
  • Fractured teeth
  • Crowded mouth

What Can I Expect From a Tooth Extraction Procedure?

There are two types of tooth extraction procedures. The one you receive depends on the severity or complexity of the issue and the amount of teeth that need to be extracted. Your dentist will recommend one of the following:

Simple extraction
A simple extraction requires only a local anesthetic to remove the infected tooth. With a local anesthetic, you will only feel a slight pressure on your mouth during the procedure, but you will still be conscious.

Surgical extraction
A surgical extraction involves a general anesthetic, which means you are fully unconscious during the procedure. Your dentist may recommend a surgical extraction if the issue is more severe.

1. Assessment

Your dentist will first assess your teeth to determine if a tooth extraction is right for you. They will then take an X-ray of the infected area to know how best to proceed.

For a simple extraction, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area surrounding the tooth that will be removed. For the surgical extraction, your dentist will use a general anesthetic. Unlike a simple extraction, you are fully unconscious for the surgical procedure.

Once you are sedated, your dentist will begin the tooth extraction procedure. To do this, they will use an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth and remove it. For the surgical extraction, your dentist will make a small incision into the gum to remove the tooth from the socket. They may also remove the bone around the tooth.

Your dentist may also stitch the empty hole to help it heal. If you are bleeding after the procedure, your dentist may provide a padding for you to apply pressure to the area until it stops.

It may take a few days to a few weeks to fully recover from a simple tooth extraction. For a surgical extraction, your dentist may prescribe medication to help you heal. You can also use general painkillers to help subside any pain.

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Tooth Extractions FAQs

What are the risks of a tooth extraction?

Tooth extractions are generally a pain-free and fast-healing procedure. However, there are some cases of side effects that may occur. If you experience any of the following symptoms after a tooth extraction, contact your dentist immediately:

  • Fever and chills
  • Persistent coughing
  • Dizziness, nausea, or vomitting
  • Chest pain and shortness of breath
  • Swelling and redness that won’t go away
  • Bleeding that lasts longer than 12 hours

What can I expect after a tooth extraction?

After the extraction, you may require a friend of family member to pick you up from the dentist especially if you have undergone a general anesthetic. We recommend you avoid strenuous activities, drink plenty of fluids, and take lots of rest.

How long is the recovery period for a tooth extraction?

The recovery period for a tooth extraction is typically 48-72 hours, but it may take up to a few weeks for you to feel back to normal. If you experience any abnormal symptoms, be sure to contact your dentist immediately.

What can I eat after a tooth extraction?

For the first 24-48 hours after a tooth extraction, we recommend only consuming soft foods to allow the mouth to fully heal. Once you are healed from the procedure, you may eat as you would normally.

How do I replace the missing tooth after an extraction?

Gaps in the teeth can lead to gum disease and tooth decay over time. After you have recovered from the tooth extraction procedure, your dentist will discuss next steps. Your dentist may recommend a full or partial denture or a bridge as a replacement.

If you think you may need a tooth extraction, book a free consultation and speak to one of our dentists today. We’d be happy to discuss costs and the procedure in more detail.

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For additional information regarding our practice, or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 920-231-7160. We look forward to helping you achieve your unique goals! And be sure to take a look at our blog for news and updates about your dental health.