Tooth Extraction
When a tooth needs to be removed, you can trust the experts at Today’s Dental.
When a tooth needs to be removed, you can trust the experts at Today’s Dental.
For many different reasons, there may come a time when one or more of your teeth need to be removed. Dentists at Today’s Dental are trained to know when, why, and how to safely and efficiently remove a tooth.
What is an extraction?
When a tooth needs to be removed (sometimes called “pulling a tooth”), the technical term is an “extraction”. Tooth extraction is a common procedure- many people will need to have a tooth pulled at some point in their lives.
A simple extraction is when the dentist believes your tooth can be removed quickly and easily. Numbing medicine is administered directly to the area (called a local anesthetic) and the tooth is pulled out while you’re awake and alert. Local anesthesia will stop you from feeling any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Other extractions can be more complicated (like wisdom teeth). Some will simply take more time, requiring long stretches of time in the dental chair. For those more complicated situations, you may require sedation anesthesia to have a more efficient, pain-free procedure.
Whether your extraction is simple or more complex, you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. You might feel some pressure. The dentist will go over the procedure, explain your options, and be sure you are comfortable while the tooth is removed.
When and why do teeth need to be removed?
Under normal circumstances, removing a tooth is usually the last resort after all options to save the tooth have been tried. However, there are many valid reasons your dentist may recommend removing a tooth or teeth. Usually, the goal of removing a tooth is to help reduce pain, reduce or prevent over-crowding, or make room for a new tooth to erupt (come through the gum). A person’s age, general condition and spacing of the teeth, and overall health can be among the determining factors. Other common reasons include:
- The tooth is diseased, decayed, or broken beyond repair
- A baby tooth is not erupting, needs extraction to make room for permanent teeth
- Adult (permanent) tooth does not have room to erupt safely (common with wisdom teeth)
- The dentist believes saving the tooth will only prolong the inevitable need to remove it
- A patient may opt to have a tooth removed to save time and money
Whatever the reason for the extraction, the dentist will discuss the risks, benefits, costs, and your options so you can decide together on the best plan to move forward.
What can I expect after my tooth is removed?
Most times, a simple extraction will not produce any complications and your mouth will be back to normal very quickly. If your extraction was more complicated, you may have a few restrictions and a short recovery period before your mouth is fully healed.
- You may experience some swelling and tenderness at the site of the extraction.
- If your extraction required any stitches, you may need to come back to have them removed.
- You may have some restrictions on what you can eat or drink for a short time after the extraction
- Your mouth may feel a little strange as you adjust to the empty space where your tooth once was – this will pass
The team will provide thorough after-care instructions to manage any post-extraction pain and properly care for your mouth to promote healing. Pain can usually be controlled by a cold compress and/or by using over the counter or prescription pain medication – your dentist will give you guidance on the pain relief options for your situation.
Remember, this is a common procedure. Most tooth extractions happen without any complications, and you’ll be back to normal in a short time. But if you have any unexpected, new, or worsening pain, severe swelling or redness, or obvious signs of infection after you have a tooth or teeth removed, you should call or text your dentist right away to be evaluated.
Following the dentist’s post-extraction instructions is important and will help you heal as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
When does a tooth need to be pulled?
A tooth can be pulled for reasons that are unique to each person’s situation. But usually, a tooth will only be removed if all efforts to save the tooth have failed. When a tooth must be pulled, your dentist will discuss the risks and benefits and any additional treatment that may be required.
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