Gentle Tooth Extractions for Better Oral Health
In some cases, a tooth may be too damaged or diseased to be saved. Our compassionate dentist will perform a gentle extraction to remove the damaged tooth and help you maintain good oral health. We may also recommend a dental implant or bridge to replace the missing tooth and restore your smile.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
You may be most familiar with tooth extractions through wisdom tooth removal, which is often done because wisdom teeth can cause issues with nearby teeth or become infected. However, tooth extractions may also be necessary for other reasons, including:
- Severe tooth decay
- Damaged, broken, or infected teeth
- Teeth that don’t come in properly (or at all)
- Gum disease
- Creating space for teeth during orthodontic treatment
- Side effects from certain medications or treatments
Tooth extractions are a common procedure to ensure your long-term oral health.
Determining the Type of Extraction You Need
Before deciding on the type of extraction, we will take X-rays to assess the condition of your tooth. If an extraction is necessary, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. If you feel anxious about the procedure, dental sedation is available to help you feel more relaxed. Please remember, if sedation is used, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward.
For a simple extraction, the process is straightforward. The goal is to gently lift the tooth from its socket. To make the process easier, the dentist will widen the socket using an elevator tool to loosen the tooth. Once the tooth is loose enough, it will be removed using forceps, which are similar to tweezers or pliers. While you may feel some pressure as the tooth is removed, rest assured that the local anesthesia will prevent any pain. After the tooth is extracted, the dentist will clean the empty socket and apply gauze to control any bleeding.
Surgical Extraction vs. Simple Extraction
There are two main types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical.
A simple extraction is a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure. It’s performed when the tooth is fully visible in the mouth. The dentist can remove the tooth without affecting the surrounding bone or gums, making it a less complex process.
On the other hand, a surgical extraction is more involved. This type of extraction is necessary when a tooth or part of it is stuck beneath the gumline. In these cases, the dentist or oral surgeon needs to move or remove gum and sometimes bone tissue to access and extract the tooth.
Surgical extractions differ from simple ones in two key ways. First, the dentist will need to make a small incision in the gums, creating a "gum flap" to reach the jawbone. Second, in some cases, the dentist may need to remove a small amount of bone to extract any stubborn tooth fragments. This procedure is more complex, requiring careful use of a drill to minimize bone removal. Since it’s considered surgery, you will receive stitches afterward, and your Euless Dentist may prescribe pain medication to help manage discomfort during recovery.
Aftercare for Tooth Extractions
Proper aftercare is crucial to the healing process following a tooth extraction. Whether you’ve had a simple or surgical extraction, it’s essential to follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure smooth healing.
After the extraction, the empty socket will begin to fill with a blood clot, which acts like a scab to stop bleeding and kickstart the healing process. It’s vital to protect that blood clot—do not touch or disturb it!
For the first three days following the extraction, avoid smoking, using straws, spitting, or blowing your nose. These actions can create pressure that may dislodge the blood clot and expose the socket, leading to a condition called a dry socket. Dry sockets are painful and require prompt attention, so if you think you may have one, contact us immediately.
By following your aftercare instructions and avoiding a dry socket, the majority of healing will take place within one to two weeks.
It’s also important to note that losing a tooth can cause your teeth and jawbone to shift. To prevent these changes and maintain your oral health, consider replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant or bridge. Contact us if you’d like to explore your options for restoring your smile.
