At Vitality Oral Health, saving your teeth is our priority. Sometimes a tooth is too severely damaged or decayed to save. Sometimes space needs to be made for a dental prosthetic or braces and a tooth extraction may be necessary. Extraction eliminates bacteria and improves oral health. Should you require oral surgery for the removal of a tooth, we ensure that your experience is comfortable and pain-free.
What is tooth extraction?
A tooth extraction, also called pulling a tooth, is a dental procedure during which your tooth is removed from its socket. It’s performed by a dentist or oral surgeon and is a quick outpatient procedure involving local, general, or intravenous anesthesia or a combination.
Why do I need a tooth extraction?
- dental cavities/excessive tooth decay
- gum disease
- dental infections
- crowding
- trauma or injury to the tooth or surrounding bone
- wisdom teeth complications
- preparation for a dental prosthesis
- preparation for dental braces
- baby teeth not falling out at the proper age
What is the procedure for a tooth extraction?
Simple extraction: If your tooth is completely visible above the gum line, a dentist is able to extract it with forceps. You receive a local anesthetic, numbing the area around your tooth. The dentist uses an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it. You may feel pressure during the procedure.
Surgical extraction: If your tooth is partially or completely hidden below the surface of the gum line or there is bone interference with the tooth/roots, an oral surgeon will perform the extraction. You’ll receive both local anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia, making you calm and relaxed. If you have any medical conditions, you may also receive general anesthesia, allowing you to remain unconscious during the procedure. The oral surgeon cuts into your gum, making a small incision. This allows the bone and/or a tooth to be extracted. You may require stitches to close the incision site so that healing can progress properly.
Aftercare for a tooth extraction:
- Directly after the procedure, apply an ice pack to your cheek for 10 minutes to reduce swelling.
- Bite down on the gauze pad to reduce bleeding and aid in clot formation.
- Leave the gauze in place for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pad is soaked with blood.
- Take medications as prescribed, including over-the-counter painkillers.
- Rest and relax for the first 24 hours.
- Do not jump immediately into your regular routine the following day.
- Don’t use a straw or rinse for 24 hours.
- Don’t smoke.
- If you need to do so, spit gently.
- Use pillows to prop your head up when you lie down.
- Brush and floss your teeth normally, avoiding the extraction site.
- Eat soft foods (yogurt, pudding, applesauce) for 48 hours.
- Slowly reintroduce other foods into your diet.
- After 24 hours, add a half teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water and rinse out your mouth.
- If you experience pain that won’t go away or signs of an infection (fever, pain, pus, drainage from the incision), make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
At Vitality Oral Health we do all we can to save your teeth! If an extraction is necessary, we are here to help. We’ll make the experience as quick and comfortable as possible.