A dental extraction is the safe and complete removal of a tooth. It is only considered after every effort has been made to repair or save the natural tooth. However, sometimes extractions are the best option and are considered extremely necessary to prevent further damage. Your Smiles 4 Keeps dentist will speak with you about all of your options and make sure you are well-informed and are a part of the decision-making process.
There are two types of extractions: simple extractions and surgical extractions.
Simple extractions occur when the teeth that require pulling are present and visible in the mouth. This type of tooth removal is often completed with a local anesthetic. Surgical extractions are a dental procedure on teeth that are not physically visible in the mouth. This may include teeth that have not erupted beyond the gum line yet or a tooth that has broken off right at the gum line.
Most Common Dental Extraction: Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom tooth removal is the most well-known form of extraction. You may have had your wisdom teeth removed as a child, or maybe you are the parent of a child whose wisdom teeth are growing in.
Your Smiles 4 Keeps dentist may recommend removing the wisdom teeth before they are fully developed and present in the mouth. By extracting them early, we can usually eliminate any potential complications, such as overcrowding, inflammation or pain. The teeth are also smaller and easier to remove when they are still below the gum line, which helps them heal faster after extraction.
If the wisdom teeth begin to grow but cannot erupt past the gum line, then bacteria may collect in the partially open gum tissue, leading to infection and tooth decay. Therefore, wisdom tooth extraction before eruption is typically recommended.
Both primary and permanent teeth may need to be extracted to achieve proper eruption and spacing, allowing the teeth to align properly. However, your Smiles 4 Keeps Smile Specialist will discuss if that is necessary after your assessment.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Some children and teens may require wisdom tooth removal, but there are other reasons why a tooth may need to be removed in adulthood as well. These include:
- Excessive tooth decay
- Infection
- Crowding
- Tooth damage or trauma
- Misaligned teeth
- Orthodontic treatment
- Extra teeth
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Organ transplant
Saving the original tooth is always our main priority, and we will put every reasonable effort into doing so. However, sometimes an extraction is the best course of action. If you are worried about how extraction may affect the look of your or your child’s smile, please talk with your Smiles 4 Keeps dentist about our range of cosmetic solutions.
Recovery Time for a Dental Extraction
It generally takes 5-7 days to recover from a tooth extraction if there are no complications, such as a dry socket. A dry socket occurs if a clot has failed to form over the socket of gums. This leaves the socket exposed to bacteria and possible infection. However, Smiles 4 Keeps’ team of Smile Specialists will talk with you in detail about how to avoid any complications, such as a dry socket. Always speak with your dental team about the details of your aftercare plan following an extraction.
Some general aftercare tips include:
- Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours after treatment
- Do not drink through a straw for 72 hours after treatment
- Follow a soft or liquid diet the day of and the day after treatment
- After extraction, continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual, but avoid the teeth and gums next to the sensitive extraction socket