When a tooth is broken or has significant decay, the ideal solution is to restore it using a filling, crown, or other procedure. If restoration is not possible or advisable due to the condition of the tooth, an extraction may be recommended to prevent infection and achieve or maintain oral health.
Most extractions can be performed with the use of local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. The tooth is then gently loosened and removed. Immediately after the tooth is removed, gauze pads are placed for the patient to bite down on the tooth socket to apply pressure and stop bleeding. Stitches are sometimes needed and may dissolve or require removal at a follow-up appointment.
No. A local anesthetic is used to ensure that you don’t feel anything during the procedure. Afterward, as the anesthetic begins to wear off, you may experience some minor discomfort, but an over-the-counter pain reliever should provide you relief.
You should generally give the area 2 to 3 days to clot and begin healing. As long as you have taken care to eat soft foods and have been gentle with the area, you should be able to return to your normal routine. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks for the soft tissue to fully heal.
Yes. While it doesn’t happen often, the extraction site can become infected. If it does, you may experience a few of the following symptoms anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks after the procedure:
As with any procedure, there are a few risks associated with tooth extraction. Often, however, if your dentist is recommending the procedure, then the benefits outweigh the risks – the risk of dry socket, bleeding, or infection. If you experience any of these, you should contact our office immediately.
