A tooth extraction is a necessary dental service that involves removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. The dentists at Storts Family Dentistry can perform tooth extractions in Madill and Ardmore, OK, if you ever require one. However, we always strive to preserve natural teeth. In some cases, taking the tooth out is the best way to protect your health.
Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Dentists only use tooth extractions when necessary. Your dentist may suggest them for various reasons. Here is a list of common reasons our dental team may utilize extractions.
- Severe Decay: If you suffer from tooth decay and do not have the tooth treated, the decay can advance and severely damage the tooth. Sometimes a tooth is too damaged for a filling or root canal, so the only solution is to remove it. This will prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth.
- Gum Disease: Untreated gum disease will advance into periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. This can cause your teeth to start loosening. In many cases, extracting the affected tooth can prevent further damage to the surrounding tissues and bones.
- Impacted Teeth: Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, do not have enough space to emerge correctly, which can cause further problems. They can lead to pain, infection, and potential damage to adjacent teeth. Removing impacted teeth is a standard dental procedure.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Another common dental practice is to remove some teeth for orthodontic treatment. It will create space to help achieve proper alignment. This space ensures the remaining teeth can move into their correct positions.
- Trauma: If an accident badly damages your teeth and we can’t repair them, we may need to remove them. Even crowns or fillings can’t save a tooth that’s cracked, broken, or too damaged to repair. Removing the tooth is usually the best choice to avoid infections or harm to nearby teeth and gums.
About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last molars at the back of the mouth. These teeth typically emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood. Due to evolution, our jaws have become smaller, leaving inadequate space for these additional teeth. As a result, impaction is a danger for many wisdom teeth.
This means they cannot fully emerge from the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection, and even cyst formation. Dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth to prevent these issues and maintain oral health.
Steps in the Tooth Extraction Process
The steps to a tooth extraction in our Ardmore and Marietta offices include:
Exam and Treatment Planning
Your dentist will start by examining the tooth’s condition and your overall oral health. They will take X-rays to determine the tooth’s position, shape, and roots. Based on this exam, your dentist will develop a personalized extraction plan.
Numbing the Tooth
We perform all tooth extraction procedures under local anesthesia. We numb your tooth and gums so you won’t feel any pain during the removal. For patients requiring multiple extractions, complex surgical removals, or those with dental anxiety, we provide sedation dentistry options to ensure a comfortable experience.
Removing the Tooth
Your dentist gently loosens the tooth from its socket using specialized dental instruments. Sometimes, a dentist might need to divide a tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal. During the extraction, your dentist will ensure minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues and bones.
Placing Gauze
After our dentist removes your tooth, we will remove debris from the extraction site. If required, your dentist will use sutures to close up your wound to promote proper healing. Your dentist will place a gauze layer over the extraction site to control bleeding and facilitate blood clot formation.
Healing
We will provide you with specific post-extraction care instructions. Careful follow-up is important to help you heal properly and manage your pain. Diligently following these instructions will also help avoid a dry socket, a condition that can occur after an extraction.
Types of Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure in which a dentist removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Dentists prefer to save your teeth, but sometimes must remove them if they have bad decay, damage, or are crowding other teeth. There are two main types of tooth extraction: simple and surgical. The type of extraction needed depends on the condition of the tooth and how accessible it is.
What Is a Simple Extraction?
A simple extraction is the removal of a tooth that is fully visible above the gum line. Dentists typically perform this procedure on damaged, decayed, or loose teeth. Your dentist may need to remove a tooth to create room for braces.
How a Simple Extraction Works
Before starting the procedure, the dentist numbs the area around the tooth using local anesthesia. This ensures that the patient does not feel pain during the extraction. After numbing the area, the dentist gently loosens the tooth before removing it. After loosening the tooth, the dentist then removes it using forceps.
Since a simple extraction does not involve surgery, it is quick and straightforward. The whole process takes just a few minutes per tooth, and most people feel little or no pain.
Recovery After a Simple Extraction
Recovery from a simple extraction is typically fast and easy. A little swelling or soreness is normal for 1-2 days. Take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed. The dentist may also recommend applying ice packs to reduce swelling.
Patients should avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, or eating hard foods immediately after the extraction. Instead, they should stick to soft foods and drink plenty of water. Most people fully recover within a few days and can quickly return to normal activities.
What Is a Surgical Extraction?
Some teeth are harder to remove, like wisdom teeth stuck in the jaw or broken teeth with hidden roots. These require surgical extraction. Dentists use this method when a tooth is fused to the jawbone or has long, curved roots that complicate removal.
How a Surgical Extraction Works
Surgical extractions are usually performed by an oral surgeon or a dentist trained in complex extractions. Unlike simple extractions, surgical extractions require an incision in the gum to expose the tooth. Sometimes, the surgeon may need to remove a small portion of the jawbone to access the tooth properly. If a tooth is too big or hard to pull out whole, the dentist will carefully break it into smaller pieces first.
Your dentist will use numbing, sedation, or sleep anesthesia—whatever works best for your comfort during the procedure. Patients who experience severe dental anxiety may also benefit from sedation during the extraction.
Recovery After a Surgical Extraction
Recovery from a surgical extraction takes longer than a simple extraction. Patients can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort for a few days after the procedure. Pain medications, including prescribed pain relievers or over-the-counter options, can help manage discomfort.
It is important to follow post-extraction care instructions closely to prevent complications. One is dry socket, a painful condition when you dislodge the blood clot after extraction. Patients should:
- Avoid using straws, as the suction can disturb the healing clot.
- Stick to a soft diet, including soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt.
- Keep the extraction site clean by rinsing gently with warm salt water after the first 24 hours.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can slow healing.
Most patients recover within one to two weeks, though full healing of the bone may take several months.
Options for Replacing Extracted Teeth
After a tooth extraction, it’s essential to consider your tooth replacement options. This will help you maintain oral health, function, and aesthetics. Patients have several options to replace extracted teeth:
Dental Implants
Implants are a popular and long-lasting option for tooth replacement. A dentist places a strong titanium post in your jawbone, securely holding your new tooth (crown) in place. Dental implants look and function like natural teeth, providing a permanent solution for tooth loss. To learn more about the dental implant process, see Dental Implants.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth anchored to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges fill the space from missing teeth, helping you chew and speak normally again. To learn more about the different types of dental bridges, see Dental Bridge.
Dentures
These removable appliances replace multiple missing teeth. We offer complete dentures, which replace all teeth in an arch, or partial dentures, which fill gaps between natural teeth. Dentures are convenient and offer a cost-effective solution for tooth replacement. To learn more about the benefits of dentures, see Dentures and Partials.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
We have answers to some of patients’ commonly asked questions about tooth extraction in Ardmore and Madill, OK:
Are tooth extractions painful?
Tooth extractions can cause discomfort, but most people don’t find them painful. Before the extraction, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This helps you feel little to no pain during the procedure.
After treatment, the removal site may feel sore or swollen. Our dentist might recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help with this.
How long does bleeding last after tooth extraction?
Some bleeding is normal for a few hours after tooth removal, with slight oozing possibly lasting a day. To control the bleeding, bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after the extraction.
If bleeding persists or becomes heavy after several hours, contact your dentist. Following their aftercare instructions, like avoiding vigorous rinsing or spitting, can also help manage bleeding.
How long after having teeth extraction can you get dentures?
You can usually get dentures 6 to 8 weeks after teeth extraction. This waiting period allows your gums and jawbone to heal properly and ensures a better fit for dentures. In some cases, we can place immediate dentures right after the extraction, but you may need adjustments as your mouth heals. Your dentist will guide you on the best timing based on your healing process and needs.
How long should I keep the gauze in after wisdom tooth extraction?
You should keep the gauze in place 30 to 45 minutes after wisdom tooth extraction to help control bleeding and promote clot formation.
If bleeding continues, replace the gauze with a fresh piece and bite down gently for another 30 minutes. After that, remove the gauze and follow your dentist’s instructions for further care. If heavy bleeding persists, contact your dentist for advice.
How many days do you need to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
Most people feel better 3-5 days after wisdom teeth removal, but some swelling or soreness may last a week. Most people feel well enough to resume normal activities within a few days. The full healing of the gums and bone can take several weeks. Following your dentist’s post-operative care instructions, including rest, pain management, and oral hygiene, helps speed recovery.
How soon can I eat after tooth extraction?
Once the numbness from the anesthesia wears off, you can start eating soft foods a few hours after a tooth extraction. For the first 24 hours, it’s important to stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soup.
Avoid chewing on the extraction site and avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the area. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as you feel comfortable and your mouth heals. Follow your dentist’s specific advice for the best recovery.
What are the warning signs of a dry socket?
Warning signs of a dry socket can appear 2 to 3 days after extraction. Severe pain is the most common symptom. You might see an empty-looking socket where the blood clot should be. Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth can also indicate a dry socket.
Some patients experience pain radiating to their ear, eye, or neck on the affected side. If you experience these symptoms 1-5 days after extraction, contact us promptly for evaluation and treatment.
Will a dry socket heal on its own?
A dry socket can heal on its own, but it’s painful and may take longer without treatment. It occurs when the blood clot that forms after an extraction dissolves, exposing the bone and nerves.
This can lead to serious pain and a slower healing process. If you suspect a dry socket, it’s best to contact our office. We can provide treatments to relieve pain and promote faster healing.
Get Comfortable Tooth Removal
A tooth extraction is a necessary general dentistry treatment that will help improve the oral health of many patients. If you have tooth pain or need a regular dental appointment, contact Storts Family Dentistry today. You can reach us at (580) 223-6720 or schedule an appointment online.
Let us know if you have questions about tooth extraction treatment. We’re here to help you.