Teeth Extractions

Atria Dental Health Center

Teeth Extractions

Modern dentistry makes routine tooth extractions relatively comfortable, painless procedures. For seven days after the extraction, your tooth socket will require some care. You will be instructed to steer clear of the empty tooth socket when brushing your teeth. Some bleeding can be expected, and pain medication may be prescribed for residual discomfort.

Infection

In cases of severe infection, where restorative approaches will not save a tooth, an extraction may be necessary.

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

In extreme cases where a tooth cannot be saved, an extraction will be performed. Wisdom teeth are the molars that are farthest back in the mouth. These teeth are the last to grow into the mouth, usually after age 18. Wisdom teeth often become impacted – they do not grow in properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a myriad of problems, including gum disease, infection, decay, even tumors. To prevent potential problems, wisdom teeth are usually extracted at the first sign that they may be impacted.

Simple Extraction

Removal of a tooth that is visible in your mouth. It’s common for a general dentist to perform simple extractions. During a simple extraction, your dentist will numb the tooth and gum tissue and loosen the tooth with an instrument called an elevator before removing it with dental forceps.

Surgical Extraction

A more complex procedure used for a tooth that may have broken off at the gum line or has not come into the mouth yet. Oral surgeons usually perform surgical extractions; however, general dentists can perform them as well. During a surgical extraction, the doctor will make a small incision (cut) into your gum and remove the underlying tooth.

After A Dental Extraction

The most important thing after a tooth extraction is keeping the area clean to prevent infection. Immediately following the procedure, your dentist might ask you to bite down gently on a piece of dry, sterile gauze. You should keep the gauze in place for 30 to 45 minutes to limit bleeding while clotting takes place. Your dentist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, but for 24 hours following your extraction, you should not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, or clean the teeth next to the extraction site.

You can expect a certain amount of pain and discomfort following an extraction. In some cases, your dentist will recommend a pain killer or prescribe one for you. It might help to apply an ice pack to your cheek to reduce swelling. You should limit strenuous activity, as well as avoid hot liquids and not drink through a straw. Under normal circumstances, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. However, if you experience prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever, call your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Extractions Hurt?

Typically, an anesthetic is administered to the patient to make them feel relaxed and comfortable. Many teeth that need to be extracted have nerves that are dead or dying. As a result, the tooth may not send pain signals out. The extraction itself should not be very painful, but discomfort during recovery is common.

What Is The Recovery Period Like?

Once the procedure is done, detailed at-home care instructions will be given to the patient. To speed up the recovery and avoid any complications, patients must follow the given at-home instructions diligently. However, do know that the recovery period varies from patient to patient.

How Long Will The Extraction Site Bleed?

Generally, the most bleeding will occur immediately after the extraction, which is why the dentist will place gauze over area for you to bite down on. The heaviest bleeding subsides quickly. In some cases, the extraction site may ooze a little on and off for 12 to 24 hours after the extraction. This is completely normal and is no cause for alarm.

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