Tooth extraction is a dental procedure where a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone. Here’s what you can expect and some common causes for extraction:
When a tooth is extensively decayed and cannot be restored through a filling or root canal treatment, extraction may be necessary.
Advanced gum disease can cause the supporting tissues and bone around a tooth to deteriorate, making extraction the only option.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often don’t have enough space to emerge properly, leading to pain, infection, and potential damage to nearby teeth. In such cases, extraction is recommended.
Sometimes, tooth extraction is required as part of orthodontic treatment to create space for proper teeth alignment.
If a tooth is severely fractured or broken, extraction may be the best solution.
When a tooth infection is severe and not treatable with antibiotics or a root canal, extraction may be necessary.
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Local anesthesia is commonly used during tooth extraction procedures. It involves the administration of an anesthetic agent to numb the specific area where the extraction will take place.
This helps to prevent pain and discomfort during the procedure. The anesthesia is typically injected into the gum tissue near the tooth or teeth being extracted. Once the area is numb, the dentist or oral surgeon can safely remove the tooth without causing pain to the patient.
There are a few options for additional sedation. Nitrous oxide (or laughing gas) offers minimal sedation to help you relax during your procedure. Your dentist or oral surgeon could offer you conscious sedation through a pill or tablet that you take before the procedure.
With both of these options, you’ll still be fully awake but will feel more relaxed and drowsy. For more moderate sedation, your dentist or surgeon may recommend sedation medication through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm.
General anesthesia is usually offered only in special situations. It’s administered by inhalation through your nose or by IV in your arm. Sometimes both are used at the same time.
With general anesthesia, you’ll lose consciousness and be fully asleep. During the extraction, your vital signs, such as breathing, blood pressure, and temperature, will be monitored. You shouldn’t experience pain or have any memory of the procedure.
Your tooth extraction will either be simple or surgical, depending on whether your tooth is visible or impacted.
You will receive a local anesthetic, which numbs the area around your tooth so you’ll feel only pressure, not pain, during the procedure. The dentist then uses an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it.
You will likely receive both local anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia, the latter of which makes you calm and relaxed. You may also receive general anesthesia, depending on any medical conditions. With general anesthesia, you will remain unconscious during the procedure.
The general dentist or oral surgeon will cut into your gum with a small incision. They may need to remove bone around your tooth or cut your tooth before it can be extracted.
You may experience pain, swelling, and tenderness in the extraction site. This is normal and typically resolves within a few days to a week.
It is normal to have some bleeding from the extraction site initially. Your dentist will provide you with instructions on how to manage and control the bleeding.
Swelling around the extraction site is common and may last for a few days. Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce swelling.
You may notice bruising around the extraction site or on your face. This is usually temporary and will fade over time.
You may experience difficulty in fully opening your mouth for a few days after the extraction, especially if the procedure was complex or involves wisdom teeth removal.
Although rare, infections can occur after tooth extraction. Your dentist will provide you with instructions on how to prevent infections and may prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
In some cases, a blood clot that forms in the extraction socket may dissolve or become dislodged, leading to a condition called dry socket. This can be painful and may require additional treatment by your dentist.
Recovery: After the extraction, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. The dentist will provide post-operative instructions, which typically include gently biting on a gauze pad to control bleeding and applying ice packs to reduce swelling.
Pain medication may be prescribed, and you should follow a soft diet for a few days. Proper oral hygiene, including gentle brushing and avoiding rinsing vigorously, is important to promote healing.
After extracting a large tooth with multiple roots, the healing process may take longer. While the hole should close by the end of the third week, complete healing and closure of the hole may require several months. During this period, the hole will appear closed but may have a noticeable indentation that can be felt with the finger or tongue
Surgical extractions require more extensive procedures, leading to a longer healing time for the tooth hole. The tissues and bone beneath the gum line are cut during this process.
After a surgical extraction, it typically takes around 6 weeks for the tooth hole to be fully or almost fully closed. However, it may take several additional months for the indentation to fill in completely and for the healing process to be fully completed.
After a tooth extraction, the healing process typically involves several stages:
24 to 48 hours after tooth extraction
7 to 21 days after surgery
During the healing process, it’s essential to follow post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon, such as keeping the extraction site clean, avoiding smoking, and eating soft foods. If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or other concerning symptoms, it’s important to contact your dental professional for further guidance.
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It may take a few days to recover after a tooth extraction. The following steps require to ensure that your recovery goes smoothly.
If you are experiencing pain that isn’t going away after several days or signs of an infection —including fever, pain, and pus or drainage from the incision — make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
To assist in pain management, such as:
After an extraction, it is important to eat soft and easy-to-chew foods to avoid irritating the extraction site. Here are some recommended foods to eat:
On the other hand, it is advisable to avoid certain foods that can potentially cause discomfort or hinder the healing process:
Remember to follow any specific instructions or dietary recommendations provided by your dentist or oral surgeon
