Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction might be necessary if you have dental trauma, damage or decay. Dentists usually recommend extraction when other treatments aren’t enough to save your natural tooth. If you need a tooth pulled, your dentist can discuss replacement options with you.

What is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is when a dentist removes your tooth from its socket. If you’ve had this oral surgery procedure, you might say you “had a tooth pulled.”

Healthcare providers prefer to save natural teeth whenever possible. But sometimes, restorative methods — like fillings or crowns — aren’t enough. If your tooth has damage past the point of repair, then removal may be necessary. Your dentist may recommend tooth extraction if you have:

A fractured tooth
Advanced gum disease
An impacted tooth
Crowded teeth
Severe tooth decay

Dentists and some dental specialists — like oral and maxillofacial surgeons and periodontists — do tooth extractions. While general dentists do plenty of extractions, more complex cases are usually referred out to specialists.

If you have dental trauma from an accident or injury, you might need an emergency tooth extraction.

Risks / Benefits

What are the benefits of tooth removal?
Tooth extraction reduces harmful bacteria that can damage your teeth and gums. Left untreated, a decayed or damaged tooth can wreak havoc on your smile, causing infection and a host of other problems. Removing your affected tooth gives you the best chance for long-term oral health.

A tooth extraction can also ease dental pain almost immediately, especially if your tooth is severely broken or infected.

What are the risks or complications of tooth extractions?

Like any surgical procedure, dental extraction carries a small risk of complications, like:

Delayed healing
Dry socket
Infection
Maxillary sinus damage
Nerve injury

Tooth extraction side effects

Normal side effects after tooth removal include:

Bleeding. The first night after your tooth extraction, you may still ooze small amounts of blood. This is normal. To manage bleeding, place a folded piece of gauze over the extraction site and gently close down for 15 minutes. Repeat as needed.
Bruising. You might develop some bruising on your gums or your outer jaw. This should go away after a few days.
Discomfort. Day three is usually the worst day of pain after a tooth extraction. The best thing to do is to take it easy for the first three days. Rest up, and give yourself some TLC.
Swelling. It’s normal to notice swollen gums around the extraction area. You might have swelling on your outer jaw, too. To reduce inflammation, apply an ice pack to your face for 20 minutes, then leave it off for 20 minutes. Repeat as needed.
These side effects should go away within a week.

Following your dentist’s guidelines can keep you comfortable in the meantime.

A note from Smile Spectrum Clinic

Dentistry plays an important role in oral health. Smile Spectrum Dental Clinic’s experts can design a personalized plan that will keep you smiling for the long haul.