A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. It can be performed either by a specialist office, such as an oral surgeon, or a general dentist.

Dentists recommend extractions for various reasons, including severe tooth decay, infection, gum disease, crowding, or a broken tooth that cannot be repaired. Wisdom teeth are often extracted if they are impacted or causing other dental issues.

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that usually erupt in the late teens or early twenties. They are also known as third molars.

Wisdom teeth often need to be extracted because they can become impacted (trapped beneath the gum), grow in at an angle, or cause crowding and damage to adjacent teeth. They are also prone to infection and decay due to their difficult-to-reach location.

Tooth extraction is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. After the extraction, some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding are normal, but these symptoms can usually be managed with pain medication and self-care.

During the extraction, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth. The tooth may be loosened with an instrument called an elevator, then removed with forceps. If the tooth is impacted, a surgical extraction may be necessary, which could involve making an incision in the gum.

Recovery from a tooth extraction usually takes a few days to a week. During this time, you should follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare, including avoiding certain foods, not smoking, and keeping the extraction site clean.

A dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site fails to form or is dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves. This can cause severe pain. To prevent dry sockets, avoid drinking through straws, smoking, or rinsing your mouth vigorously after the extraction.

While generally safe, tooth extraction carries some risks, including infection, prolonged bleeding, swelling, dry socket, and damage to surrounding teeth or nerves. Your dentist will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.

After a tooth extraction, you should keep the area clean by gently rinsing with salt water, avoid strenuous activity, eat soft foods, and follow any specific instructions from your dentist. Applying ice can help reduce swelling, and pain medication can manage discomfort.

If you had a simple extraction under local anesthesia, you can usually drive yourself home. However, if you do oral sedation with our office, you will need someone to bring you to your appointment and to drive you home.

If the extracted tooth was a permanent tooth, we will recommend a replacement option such as a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to maintain proper alignment and function of your remaining teeth.

Our dentists will assess the position of your wisdom teeth through an examination and X-rays. If they are impacted, causing pain, or likely to cause future problems, extraction may be recommended.

A simple extraction usually takes about 20-40 minutes. Surgical extractions, such as those for impacted wisdom teeth, may take longer, especially if multiple teeth are being removed.

After a tooth extraction, stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods that could irritate the extraction site.

Most people can return to normal activities within a day or two after a simple extraction. However, if you had a surgical extraction or multiple teeth removed, you might need a longer recovery period. Avoid strenuous activities for at least 24-48 hours

Severe pain that persists after a tooth extraction could indicate complications such as a dry socket or infection. Contact us immediately if you experience intense pain, fever, or unusual swelling.

You can brush your teeth, but be careful to avoid the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After that, you can gently clean the area to prevent infection.

Alternatives to extraction depend on the condition of the tooth. Options might include root canal therapy, crowns, or other restorative treatments to save the tooth if possible. If another option is available, we will discuss these alternatives with you.

The cost of a tooth extraction varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the location of the tooth, and your geographical area. Simple extractions are generally less expensive than surgical extractions, such as those for impacted wisdom teeth.