Dental Extractions
Permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, however in some cases tooth extraction is the best option for your oral health or unavoidable for other reasons. When this happens, we will do everything we can to make this treatment as comfortable as possible. Some reasons for tooth extraction include:
- Severe decay or fracture that make the tooth non-repairable
- Advanced gum disease causing tooth looseness or infection
- Trauma
- Preparation for orthodontic treatment where the teeth are crowded
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Infection or risk of infection in immunocompromised people
If you need a tooth extracted, we will do everything we can
to make it a comfortable experience!
The impact of missing teeth
In some cases, the removal of even a single tooth can have a major impact on your dental health and overall wellbeing. If a front tooth has been extracted, obviously the appearance of your smile will be affected. In other cases, such as wisdom teeth, tooth extraction may have little or no impact.
Regardless of the location of the extracted tooth, your teeth are designed to function together as a unit. Over time, tooth extraction(s) can lead to issues such as:
- Shifting teeth
- Loss of chewing ability
- Bone loss
- Changes in your bite
- Food impaction
- Poor jaw joint health
- Tooth sensitivity
- Aesthetic concerns
Options to replace a missing tooth
To avoid the potential impact of missing a tooth, it is usually advisable to make a plan to replace it. While a dental implant is often the best solution, some other options include:
- Dental implant
- Fixed bridge
- Removable denture
Each of these treatments has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
It is important to make a timely decision on tooth replacement because the bone in the extraction site will diminish over time making it more difficult, more expensive or impossible to place an implant.
What to expect
Before the extraction
Prior to the extraction, your dentist will review your medical history and medications to determine if there are any medical reasons why the extraction or healing may be complicated. An X-ray will be taken to assess the level of difficulty of the extraction. If the extraction appears difficult due to either medical or structural issues you may be referred to an oral surgeon who specializes in difficult extractions. Options to replace the extracted tooth will also be discussed.
During the extraction
At the time of the extraction, your dentist will numb your tooth and surrounding gums with a local anesthetic. During the extraction process, you should feel only a sensation of pressure but no pain. In some cases, sutures (stitches) may be used and/or bone grafting material may be placed in the socket to minimize bone loss after an extraction. For most people, this process is a tolerable experience. If you are very anxious about the procedure,
nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation may be considered to minimize anxiety.
After the extraction
Immediately after the tooth is removed, you will bite on a gauze pad to put pressure on the extraction site. When the anesthetic has worn off, you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. Pain medication may be prescribed and ice packs can be applied to minimize swelling.
For more information see our post-operative instructions.
The initial healing period usually takes about one to two weeks. New gum tissue will grow into the gap and the bone will heal over the next few months. It is important to resume your normal dental routine, including brushing and flossing. After a few days, you should feel fine, and be able to resume your normal activities.