What is a dental extraction?
Dental extraction refers to the removal of a tooth, which includes the crown (the part that you see) and the root, which is buried inside the bone. All components of the tooth are removed from the bone.
What are the reasons tooth extractions may be necessary?
Primarily, tooth extractions are necessary when the tooth can no longer be saved. We do everything possible to save it, but if the cavity is too large or there's not much tooth left, an extraction may be required. If the tooth is severely infected and cannot be treated with a root canal or other means, extraction becomes necessary. Sometimes, it could be a baby tooth that's preventing an adult tooth from growing in. That's another scenario where we would recommend an extraction.
What are the types of tooth extractions?
Tooth extractions are typically classified as either surgical or routine. Regardless, it's surgery. A surgical extraction generally involves more cutting, and sutures (stitches) are placed. Essentially, this means that a surgical extraction is more complex than a routine one, though this terminology is more relevant to dental professionals than to patients.
When would a dentist recommend a wisdom tooth extraction?
A dentist would recommend a wisdom tooth extraction based on how it would affect the other teeth. If it's impacted, meaning it's growing toward the other teeth and can cause food entrapment, leading to cavities, that would be a scenario for extraction. If it can potentially cause excess crowding or if it's infected, or we believe it might lead to an infection, we would recommend a wisdom tooth extraction.
If I have gum disease, when would tooth extraction become necessary?
If you have gum disease, a tooth extraction would become necessary if there's not enough bone surrounding that tooth. If it wiggles and is beyond repair, it might be time to do an extraction and consider a replacement, either with a fixed bridge or perhaps an implant. The decision will depend on how much bone you have.
Are all tooth extractions considered oral surgery?
All tooth extractions are considered oral surgery because we are removing something from the bone, so yes.
What is the difference between simple versus surgical tooth removal?
The difference between simple and surgical tooth removal typically refers to whether cutting and stitching are required.
Where should I go if I need an emergency tooth extraction?
If you need an emergency tooth extraction, you should consult your local hospital. Not all of them have dental programs, but they'll direct you to the appropriate center.
How long does a tooth extraction procedure take?
The duration of a tooth extraction procedure depends on which tooth it is and how difficult it is to get you numb. Typically, it takes anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes. If it's a molar, it can be trickier to extract because it has multiple roots and denser bone around it. A loose tooth in the front might be removed in a matter of seconds.
Will I need dental implants after a tooth extraction?
Whether you need dental implants after an extraction depends on which tooth it is. Wisdom teeth usually don't require replacement, so implants aren't recommended. However, if it's an anterior tooth—something visible to others—you'd likely want to replace it. As long as you have sufficient bone, implants can be done, and they are preferred over a traditional bridge. If one end of a bridge fails, the entire bridge is in peril, potentially causing the whole thing to fail. So yes, if you have healthy bone remaining, an implant would be recommended after an extraction.
Will a dentist put me to sleep during tooth extractions?
Whether you will be sedated during a tooth extraction depends on the procedure. You may or may not be sedated; it could involve complete sedation where you're fully unconscious. For some wisdom tooth extractions, sedation might be used. However, if you can tolerate the sounds, sights, and smells of an extraction, sedation isn't necessary. Local anesthetic is the only thing that actually takes the pain away, so sedation is more of a personal preference.
How do I brush my teeth after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, you should avoid brushing the specific area where the extraction was performed. You can brush the surrounding teeth, but keep the bristles away from the open wound.
What should I know about tooth extraction after care and recovery?
After a tooth extraction, there are a few things to keep in mind. You have a fresh open wound, so you want to keep it clean and avoid touching the area, especially with dirty fingers. Always wash your hands if you're going to change the gauze. The gauze is there to stop the bleeding, so apply pressure by biting down on it for about 15-20 minutes. Always change the gauze with clean fingers. Avoid rinsing for about 24 hours because you'd like a blood clot to form. Clotting prevents bleeding, and rinsing or excessive spitting can disrupt the clot. Avoid spicy foods and anything like tomatoes or small seeds that could enter the open wound. Avoid smoking for three to five days, or as long as possible. Otherwise, you risk developing a condition known as dry socket, which is often more painful than what brought you to the dentist in the first place.
What is dry socket and how can I avoid it after tooth extraction?
Dry socket is a painful condition where the socket has less blood flow than desired, causing it to become dry and painful. To avoid it, refrain from smoking right after the extraction. Sometimes, even if you do everything right, you may still get dry socket. If that happens, we have treatments available, and you can come in for care where we apply something in the socket to relieve the pain.
How long should I wait to exercise after a tooth extraction?
You should wait about 24 hours before exercising after a tooth extraction. The key is to avoid disrupting the blood clot. After an extraction, take it easy and give your body a chance to heal. Once the clot has formed, you're good to go.
How long should it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Recovery time after a tooth extraction varies significantly. Some people feel fine once the anesthesia wears off and hardly notice the extraction happened. Others may experience pain for up to 48 hours or more. Unfortunately, some individuals might have soreness for a week or even longer. Recovery times vary immensely, but in the end, everyone recovers from an extraction.
When should I schedule an appointment for a tooth extraction?
You should schedule an appointment for an extraction if you're in pain. Pain doesn't always mean you need an extraction, but it's a good reason to see a dentist. If you've already been told you need an extraction, the answer is ASAP. Let's get it out today. Give us a call at (845) 393-9059.