Tooth extraction is always the treatment choice of last resort, but it may be necessary for many situations:
- Overcrowding of teeth
- Advanced gum disease or infection
- Significant tooth damage or decay
If a tooth extraction is considered necessary for long-term oral health maintenance, we can perform the procedure in the comfort of our Burlington, NC dentist office. In most cases, tooth extraction is a rather simple procedure that can be completed using a local anesthetic.
Patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure, but tooth extraction may relieve pain in the case of advanced decay or infection.
Simple Tooth Extractions
A simple tooth extraction is a straightforward procedure performed when the tooth is visible and fully erupted above the gum line. This type of extraction is often needed for teeth that are damaged, decayed, or loose but still accessible. The process begins with the dentist numbing the area around the tooth using local anesthesia. Once the area is numb, the dentist loosens the tooth using a tool called an elevator. After the tooth is loosened, the dentist carefully removes it with forceps.
Simple extractions are quick, usually taking only a few minutes, and they cause minimal discomfort. Recovery is typically easy, with most people experiencing only minor pain or swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers and following the dentist’s aftercare instructions, like keeping the extraction site clean and avoiding hard foods, are usually enough to promote healing. Most people fully recover from a simple extraction in just a few days.
Complex Tooth Extractions
A complex tooth extraction is needed when the tooth is not fully visible or accessible. This type of extraction is common with impacted teeth, broken teeth, or teeth that have not fully erupted, such as wisdom teeth. Since these teeth are harder to reach, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to perform a more involved procedure.
During a complex extraction, the dentist may make an incision in the gum to expose the tooth. If necessary, they might also need to remove some bone or cut the tooth into smaller pieces to extract it safely. Because the procedure is more complicated, the dentist may use stronger anesthesia, including sedation or general anesthesia, to keep the patient comfortable.
Recovery from a complex extraction takes longer than from a simple one. Patients may experience more swelling, bruising, or discomfort, and it’s important to follow all aftercare instructions carefully. This includes avoiding certain foods, resting, and taking prescribed pain medications to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Complications like dry socket are more common with complex extractions, so it’s essential to keep the extraction site clean and protected during the recovery period.
Replace Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can affect your smile, the shape of your lower face, and your ability to eat certain foods. It can also cause bone loss and an unbalanced bite. An unbalanced bite will lead to TMJ symptoms.
After a tooth is extracted, Dr. Fuller will recommend dental implants to replace your missing teeth. Implants are the number one recommended solution to missing teeth. They are the most natural-looking and advanced solution compared to other teeth restorations. Implants are the only solution that permanently replaces teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Removing wisdom teeth is often a “rite of passage” as we grow into adults. Removing these third molars stabilizes your long-term dental health and ensures that the fit of your bite is not impacted as they grow.
Wisdom teeth often fail to erupt completely, impacting the jaw bone. Over time, this can pressure surrounding soft tissue, adjacent teeth, nerves, and even ear canals. Your dentist at Fuller Dental works with you to determine if wisdom tooth extraction is necessary.
The procedure for removing wisdom teeth may require dental sedation if there is bone involvement. Fuller Dental offers complete services for removing wisdom teeth in our dentist office, making it convenient and comfortable for our patients.
If you or your child experience bleeding or sudden pain after your procedure, contact our office as soon as possible for advice on how to proceed. Call us at (336) 290-7401 or request an appointment online today.
We also provide preventative care services to our patients so they can avoid decay and other common dental problems.
When Tooth Extraction is Necessary
A tooth extraction may be needed for several reasons, and while it can sound intimidating, it is often necessary to protect your oral health. One common reason for needing a tooth extraction is severe tooth decay. When a cavity gets too deep, it can damage the tooth beyond repair. In cases where a root canal or filling can’t save the tooth, extraction becomes the best option to prevent further infection or damage to surrounding teeth.
Another reason you might need a tooth extraction is if your tooth is damaged from trauma. It may be too damaged to fix if you chip or crack a tooth accidentally or while eating. When the damage extends below the gum line or splits the tooth in half, it may need to be removed to avoid further complications like infection or pain.
Crowding is another situation where tooth extraction may be necessary. If your mouth is too small for all your teeth to fit properly, some teeth may need to be pulled to create space. This is often the case with wisdom teeth erupting in late teens or early adulthood. Many people don’t have enough room in their mouths for wisdom teeth, leading to crowding, pain, or misalignment. In these cases, removing one or more teeth can help the rest of your teeth stay straight.
Impacted teeth are also a common reason for extractions. An impacted tooth does not fully erupt through the gums, often because there’s not enough room in the mouth. This can happen with wisdom teeth, but it can also happen with other teeth. Impacted teeth can cause pain, infection, and pressure on surrounding teeth, so extraction may be the best solution.
Gum disease is another reason for tooth extraction. If left untreated, gum disease can damage the bone and tissue that support your teeth. In severe cases, teeth can become loose, and the only option may be to remove the affected tooth to prevent further bone loss or infection.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Tooth extractions are simple procedures that we perform frequently in our dentist office. Learn more about them by reading these answers to frequently asked questions.
How do I prepare for a tooth extraction?
Avoid consuming anything with tobacco or alcohol for 24 hours before the extraction. These things can cause issues with the healing process and make things bleed more than normal. Don’t eat a huge meal, and make sure you brush and floss before the procedure. You should also have someone to drive you to and from the appointment.
How long should it hurt after tooth extraction?
After we extract the tooth, you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications only as prescribed since some medications can hinder the healing process. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
How does a tooth extraction heal?
To promote proper healing, avoid smoking, rinsing, or drinking through a straw for at least 24 hours. These activities can dislodge the clot, delay healing, and lead to dry sockets. A cold cloth or ice bag may help with any pain or swelling. It is important to continue to brush and floss normally. However, take care to avoid the teeth next to the tooth socket.
When can I eat normally after a tooth extraction?
It is best to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before gradually returning to your normal diet. After 48 hours, we recommend going slow while trying to eat normally. Complications do not normally occur, but contact your dentist if you find yourself in pain a few days after your tooth extraction.
Can I brush my teeth after a tooth extraction?
You’ll need to continue your oral healthcare routine, but avoid the extraction area for at least a week while it’s healing. Brushing or flossing on that area can disrupt the clot and mess up the healing process. After a week, you should be able to brush and floss your teeth normally.
Do I need a tooth extraction?
At our office, we practice conservative dentistry. But sometimes extraction is the best choice for your oral health. We recommend extraction if a tooth infection or trauma is so severe that even a dental crown won’t save the tooth. We may also choose extraction if you have severely crowded teeth and need orthodontic treatment. The dentist thoroughly examines to ensure that extraction is the best choice.