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 provide you with a tooth extraction in Madill and Ardmore, OK, if you ever require one. However, we always strive to preserve the natural teeth. Unfortunately, there are situations where an extraction becomes the best option for our patient’s oral health and overall well-being.
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. When a tooth becomes significantly compromised and cannot be effectively treated with a dental filling or root canal, the only other option is to extract the tooth. 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: Teeth badly damaged from accidents or injuries might need to be removed if they can’t be fixed. When a tooth is cracked, broken, or too damaged to repair, even treatments like crowns or fillings might not work. In these situations, taking out 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 set of 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, wisdom teeth often become impacted.
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
All tooth extraction procedures will be performed under local anesthesia. We will administer it to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. This will ensure you do not feel any pain while the dentist extracts your tooth. For complex cases, multiple extractions, or if you suffer from dental anxiety, we also offer sedation dentistry for your comfort.
Removing the Tooth
Using specialized dental instruments, your dentist gently loosens the tooth from its socket. In some cases, a dentist might need to divide a tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal. Your dentist will ensure that there is minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues and bones during the extraction.
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. Following these care instructions carefully 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. While dentists always try to save natural teeth when possible, sometimes extractions are necessary due to severe decay, gum disease, overcrowding, or injury. 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. This procedure is typically performed on teeth damaged, decayed, or loose due to gum disease. A simple extraction is sometimes necessary when teeth must be removed for orthodontic reasons, such as making 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. Once the area is numb, the dentist uses an elevator to loosen the tooth from the surrounding bone and ligaments. 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 entire process usually takes only a few minutes per tooth, and most patients experience little to no discomfort during the extraction.
Recovery After a Simple Extraction
Recovery from a simple extraction is typically fast and easy. Patients may experience mild swelling and soreness for a day or two, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. 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?
A surgical extraction is a more complex procedure used for teeth that are not easily accessible, such as impacted wisdom teeth or broken teeth that remain below the gum line. This type of extraction is also needed when a tooth is fused to the jawbone or has long, curved roots that make removal difficult.
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 the tooth is too large or difficult to remove in one piece, the surgeon may divide it into smaller sections before taking it out.
Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the dentist or surgeon may use local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. 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 the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged. 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 titanium implant is surgically placed in the jawbone, serving as a sturdy foundation for a custom-made dental crown. 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 are an effective way to fill the gap left by the extracted tooth, restoring the patient’s ability to chew and speak properly. 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 some discomfort, but most people don’t find them very 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, you can feel some soreness or swelling in the area where the tooth was removed. Our dentist might recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help with this.
How long does bleeding last after tooth extraction?
Bleeding after a tooth extraction usually lasts a few hours, though light oozing may continue for up to 24 hours. To control the bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes right 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 for about 30 to 45 minutes after wisdom tooth extraction to help control bleeding and promote clot formation.
If bleeding continues, you can 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?
Recovery from wisdom teeth removal usually takes 3 to 5 days for the initial healing, though some discomfort and swelling can last up to 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 up 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. It’s important to stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soup for the first 24 hours.
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 to heal 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 to make your regular dental appointment, contact Storts Family Dentistry today. You can reach us at (580) 260-3410 or schedule an appointment online.
Let us know if you have questions about tooth extraction treatment. We’re here to help you.