What is a dental extraction?
A dental extraction is any time we are trying to convince a tooth to leave the socket. Typically, people call this pulling a tooth, but because we don't really pull a tooth, we employ a variety of techniques to get the tooth convinced to leave the socket itself. A lot of times we lift the tooth, put forces laterally on it, and occasionally even apply pulling pressure. It's a combination of these forces that convinces the tooth to vacate the mouth. So rather than saying we're going to elevate/push/pull your tooth, we just call it a dental extraction. In short, an extraction is any time we're trying to get a tooth to leave the socket, to leave your mouth, and stop causing problems.
What is a reason that a tooth extraction becomes necessary?
There are various reasons that would make a tooth extraction necessary. A common one is tooth breakage. Another is when your tooth is hurting you. Any time a tooth is in pain and a root canal is not possible, the tooth needs to go. If the tooth is irreversibly infected or fractured, it also needs to be removed. Additionally, in some cases, teeth are pulled during orthodontic treatment to create space due to crowding. In summary, we remove a tooth when a root canal is not possible, the tooth is infected or painful, it is irreversibly broken, or there is crowding that requires space creation.
What are the types of tooth extractions?
There are a couple of different types of tooth extractions. A simple extraction is when you come in, we get you numb, and the tooth is out quickly without needing to work with soft or hard tissues. A surgical extraction is when we need to work on the soft or hard tissues to convince the tooth to come out. At Pacific Park Family Dental, we are skilled at surgical extractions, making the process quick and efficient. Whether simple or surgical, the outcome is the same: the tooth vacates the area and stops being a problem.
When would a dentist recommend wisdom tooth extraction?
I recommend wisdom teeth extractions any time they have the potential to cause future problems. If wisdom teeth are deeply embedded in the jaw and the person is around 25 years old, there is no point in removing them. However, if a 17-year-old’s wisdom teeth are about to erupt incorrectly, I recommend removing them. Removing wisdom teeth at a young age is beneficial because younger individuals heal faster. Teenagers often have fewer responsibilities and recover more quickly from extractions. It is better to address wisdom teeth issues while young to avoid future problems.
When would braces require tooth extraction?
Orthodontic colleagues sometimes ask me to remove a tooth or two when there is severe crowding. While modern orthodontics can often address crowding by removing a bit of enamel between teeth, severe cases may still require extractions. In such cases, it is better to lose one or two teeth for an optimal smile rather than having a suboptimal result. Correct bite and alignment of the remaining teeth will protect against cavities and gum disease for many years.
Is tooth extraction and filling advisable for young children?
This depends on the child’s age. If a young child loses a molar, it can affect the eruption of the following premolar, causing crowding problems. In such cases, space must be maintained. If the child is older and the premolar will erupt soon after the molar is lost, filling the space is not necessary. Consulting with a pediatric or general dentist is the best course of action.
If I have gum disease, when would tooth extraction become necessary?
Mild gum disease, such as gingivitis, is completely reversible with proper care and will not require extractions. However, advanced periodontal disease can cause substantial bone loss around a tooth, making it unable to support chewing functions. When a tooth becomes extremely mobile and sensitive due to this bone loss, extraction becomes necessary.
Are all tooth extractions considered oral surgery?
Yes, all tooth extractions are considered oral surgery because they involve making a cut or removing something from the mouth.
What is the difference between simple and surgical removal?
A simple removal involves taking the tooth out without working on the soft or hard tissues. A surgical extraction requires working with the surrounding tissues to remove the tooth. Surgical extractions are more complex and require additional skills, but they do not necessarily result in more pain.
Where should I go if I need an emergency tooth extraction?
At Pacific Park Family Dental, Dr. Joe and I can help with emergency tooth extractions. We prioritize emergency patients and try to fit them in as soon as possible. If necessary, we reschedule less urgent appointments to accommodate emergencies.
Will I need dental implants after tooth extraction?
Yes, we recommend replacing any tooth that is not a wisdom tooth to maintain chewing surfaces. Not replacing missing teeth can affect your ability to nourish yourself and lead to long-term health issues. Therefore, we suggest placing implants after extractions.
Will a dentist put me to sleep during tooth extractions?
This is a personal preference. If you want to be put to sleep, we can do that. If you prefer to be awake as long as you are not in pain, we will ensure you are numb before starting the procedure. We never work on patients who are not numb.
How do I brush my teeth after tooth extraction?
We recommend gently brushing around the surgical site but not on it. After a few days, as the site becomes less sensitive, you can gingerly brush the area to keep it clean. Be gentle and avoid overexerting the site.
What should I know about tooth extraction aftercare and recovery?
If you have any questions or concerns after your extraction, contact us immediately. I give my patients my personal cell phone number for any post-surgery issues. Rest for a few days, enjoy some ice cream and Netflix, and avoid strenuous activity. Keep pressure on the wound and take pain medications before the numbing wears off. Follow up with us if needed.
Why should one avoid rinsing after getting a tooth extraction?
Avoid forceful rinsing right after the extraction to allow the blood clot to form and stay in place. Losing the blood clot can lead to a condition called dry socket, which is very painful and cannot be fixed with medication. Rinse gently for the first few days to keep the clot intact.
What is a dry socket and how can I avoid it after a tooth extraction?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot is lost, exposing the bone around the socket. It causes radiating pain and discomfort. To avoid dry socket, we sometimes use a procedure that involves using a blood clot to seal the socket. This helps the bone heal faster and reduces the risk of dry socket.
How long should I wait to exercise after a tooth extraction?
If you are into sports, consider the first few days after an extraction as doctor-prescribed cheat days. Avoid strenuous activities to allow proper healing.
How long should it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Initial recovery takes about two to three days. After that, you can return to normal activities such as work and school. We recommend staying home for the first few days to avoid discomfort while focusing on work or other activities.
When should I schedule an appointment for a tooth extraction?
If you know you need a tooth extraction due to infection, pain, or a broken tooth, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. These conditions tend to worsen over time, so prompt action is necessary to avoid further complications.
Getting rid of problems
Sometimes removing the tooth is the best pathway to a healthy mouth. We aim to make this process as easy and gentle as possible.
What to expect
At the Appointment
Multiple 2 Hr appointments
Oral anesthetic use
Possible minor discomfort
After Appointment
Mild postoperative bleeding
Post operative discomfort
Avoid eating until numbness wears off
What it is
This is typically a solution of last resort.
Removal of a tooth is recommended when:
- Tooth is broken beyond restorability
- Tooth is infected
- There is significant bone loss around the tooth
- It is wisdom tooth
Because wisdom teeth can pose significant health risks later in life it is recommended to have the removed fairly early on for the following reasons:
- Healing capacity is extremely high
- Bone is flexible and not fragile
- High risk of complications if not removed timely
Leaving wisdom teeth in can cause significant health complications later in life such as:
- Bone loss around 2nd molars leading to tooth loss
- 2nd molar tooth decay
- Soft tissue infections
- Cyst and tumors associated with wisdom tooth presence
How it is accomplished
There is a certain amount of fear that accompanies this procedure for the specific reason is that there is anticipation of pain. Our advanced techniques make it possible to circumvent the discomfort and the anxiety in order to have a low stress, comfortable visit.
During the procedure we will walk you through of what to expect and what is normal and not normal to feel. We will equip you to appropriately handle the operative stress and communicate any discomfort you may be experiencing.
For certain cases it is necessary to have the added benefit of sedation, we offer multiple varieties of sedation that can benefit event the most anxious of our patients. The types of sedation offered are:
- Laughing gas sedation: This is a nitrous oxide gas that is administered to patients who want to feel more comfortable during a procedure, however anxiety reduction with this method can range from minimal to moderate.
- Medication sedation: This is a medication that is administered to patients 30-60 minutes before the visit. This medication can cause other side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness, however anxiety reduction with this method can range from minimal to substantial depending on the persons physiology. These patients require a driver to be present after the appointment.
- Combination of Laughing gas and anxiety reducing medications: The combination of both methods has an additive effect in reducing anxiety that ranges from moderate to profound. Some patients have reports experiencing absence of memory while under the influence of these sedation methods, other side effects include drowsiness and dizziness. These patients require a driver to be present after the appointment.
- IV Sedation: This method of sedation offers an ideal level of anxiety reduction as well as loss of memory while under the influence of sedation medications. These patients require a driver to be present after the appointment.
After Removal of Tooth:
- Keep pressure on the wound
- Stay away from spicy foods
- Stay away from crunchy foods
- Stay away from strenuous physical activity
- Stay away from smoking
- Take pain medications before anesthetic wears off
Post operative complications:
Dry Socket
This is a common complication associated with the loss of clot within the socket. A symptom of dry socket is radiating pain that doesn't diminish with any kind of pain medication regiment. Other symptoms present are unpleasant taste and smell emanating from the affected area. Although benign, dry socket is extremely unpleasant, call your dental provider to manage this complication.
Bleeding
This is a common complication that is treated with some pressure on the wound. If bleeding is slowing down but is taking time to form a clot we ask our patients to bite on a teabag of black tea. The tannic acid in the black tea will encourage a clot to form faster. If other concerns are present please call your dental provider.