Wisdom Teeth Removal
As dental professionals, our goal is to help you maintain a healthy life with all of your original teeth. However, there are times when a tooth cannot be saved.
In cases of crowding, disease, or trauma, tooth removal may become necessary. Regardless of the reason, we adopt a conservative approach to all tooth extractions. While “oral surgery” may sound serious, most extractions and oral surgeries are routine procedures. Our experienced doctor will perform your procedure with expert skill, ensuring a comfortable recovery and the best possible outcome.
If a tooth that needs extraction is not removed, it can lead to pain, infection, and other dental problems. However, having the tooth removed doesn’t have to be a difficult experience.
What is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, with wisdom tooth removal being the most familiar example. Wisdom teeth are often extracted because they can cause problems for nearby teeth and become infected. Other reasons for tooth extractions include:
- Severe tooth decay
- Damaged, broken, or infected teeth
- Teeth that do not erupt correctly or at all
- Gum disease
- Creating space for teeth to shift during orthodontic treatment
- Side effects from certain medications or treatments
These procedures are designed to address dental issues effectively and ensure your overall oral health.
Determining the Type of Extraction You Need
To determine the type of extraction you need, we will take X-rays beforehand. If the dentist decides a tooth needs to be pulled, they will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. For those feeling anxious about the procedure, dental sedation is available for added comfort. If sedation is used, please arrange for someone to drive you home.
For a simple extraction, the procedure is straightforward. The dentist will lift the tooth out of its socket. This involves gently widening the socket using a tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth. Once the tooth is loose enough, it is removed with forceps, a tool similar to pliers. You may feel some pressure during the extraction, but the local anesthetic ensures you won’t feel any pain. After the tooth is removed, the dentist will clean the empty socket and apply medical gauze to stop any bleeding.
To facilitate the tooth extraction, the dentist needs to widen the socket to allow the tooth to come out easily. Using a tool called an elevator, they gently wiggle the tooth to create a wider opening.
Once the tooth is loose enough, it can be removed with forceps, a tool similar to pliers. You might feel some pressure as the tooth is extracted, but there is no need to worry; the local anesthesia ensures you won’t feel any pain.
After the tooth is completely removed, the dentist will clean the empty socket and apply medical gauze to stop any bleeding.
There are two main types of tooth extractions
Simple Extraction: This is performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth. The dentist loosens the tooth with an elevator and then removes it with forceps. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, ensuring you won’t feel any pain.
Surgical Extraction: This is a more complex procedure used for teeth that are not easily accessible, such as impacted teeth. It involves making a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. Sometimes, the tooth may need to be broken into smaller pieces for easier removal. Local anesthesia is used, and sedation is available for patients who feel anxious.
A surgical extraction is more complex than a simple extraction. It differs in two key ways. First, the dentist or oral surgeon needs to move your gums aside to access the jawbone. This involves making a small incision and creating a “gum flap.” Second, a small amount of bone from your jaw may need to be removed to extract stubborn tooth fragments stuck in the socket. Using a drill, the dentist carefully removes as little bone as possible. Because this is a surgical procedure, you will need stitches afterward. Your dentist or oral surgeon may also prescribe pain medication for a few days following the procedure.
Aftercare
- After a surgical extraction, where the dentist or oral surgeon needs to move or remove gum or bone tissue to extract a tooth or its remnants, proper aftercare is crucial.
- Once a tooth is removed, the empty socket fills with a blood clot, much like a scab, to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. It’s important to ensure that the blood clot remains undisturbed. Do not touch it!
- For about three days after the extraction, avoid smoking, drinking through straws, spitting, or blowing your nose. These actions can create pressure that may dislodge the blood clot, causing the socket to reopen. If this happens, you could develop a painful condition known as dry socket, which requires immediate intervention. If you experience this, please call us right away.
- By following these instructions and avoiding dry socket, most major healing occurs within one to two weeks. After the extraction, you may notice changes in your jaw as your teeth and jawbone can shift due to the newly opened space. Losing a tooth can significantly impact your dental health and quality of life. To prevent these issues, consider filling the space with a dental bridge or dental implant. Contact us to learn more about your options for replacing a missing tooth.