What Is a Tooth Extraction and Why Might You Need One?

A tooth extraction occurs when a dentist completely removes one of your teeth. During this process, the dentist numbs the area to prevent pain or discomfort.

There are several instances in which your doctor might recommend a tooth extraction. Some of them are emergency situations, and others are not. Every patient is different, and your Parkcrest dentist will recommend a treatment based on your situation.

1. Severe Tooth Pain

Severe tooth pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain medication may indicate a serious dental issue. A tooth extraction can alleviate pain so you can resume your normal daily activities.

2. Swelling and Redness

Swelling and redness in the gums around a tooth could indicate an infection or an abscessed tooth. 

3. Loose Adult Tooth

A loose adult tooth could be a sign of gum disease or bone loss, which might require extraction to prevent further complications.

4. Severely Broken or Cracked tooth

Having a severely broken or cracked tooth due to trauma or decay might not be salvageable with other treatments. Your Parkcrest dentist will determine if this is a viable treatment option for your situation.

5. Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that don’t have enough space to come through the gums properly. This can cause pain, swelling, and potential damage to adjacent teeth.

6. Overcrowding

Overcrowding due to misaligned teeth can cause pain and discomfort. Your dentist might extract a tooth that causes overcrowding so that you have a more comfortable bite.

7. Severe Gum Disease

Severe gum disease can damage the supporting structures of teeth, leading to looseness and eventual tooth loss.

8. Tooth Infection (Abscess)

A tooth infection, or abscess, can cause severe pain, swelling, and even fever. If the infection doesn’t respond to antibiotics and other treatment options aren’t viable, an extraction might be necessary.

Yes, in some cases, a tooth extraction can be a dental emergency. If you have a fever and over-the-counter pain relievers don’t help, call us at (417) 887-1220 to arrange an emergency appointment.

A tooth extraction usually takes around 20 to 40 minutes for one tooth if it is a simple procedure. Multiple teeth may require longer appointments. Complicated extractions, when your doctor needs to get under the gum line, may take 60 to 90 minutes for a single tooth. 

The time it takes for a tooth extraction depends on the size of the tooth and the extent and location of the damage. If the dentist needs to go below the gum line to resolve the problem, it will likely take longer.

A simple tooth extraction occurs when your dentist completely removes a tooth that is visible above the gumline. Remember, every patient is different and unique.

A complex tooth extraction is caused by an impacted tooth, broken tooth structure, or curved tooth roots. Typically, a dentist will need to reach beneath the gum line to extract part of the tooth.

Yes, so plan on 10 minutes extra per tooth during your appointment.

No, a tooth extraction is not painful because of the local anesthetic applied to the area. The anesthetic will wear off after a few hours. Your doctor will direct you to take over-the-counter pain medications until the inflammation and discomfort subside. Ice and a saltwater rinse are other options for managing pain after the extraction.

Anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. Your doctor may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers after the anesthetic wears off. Be careful not to bite or chew on your mouth to make the numbness go away. That will lead to bleeding and swelling in your mouth. It takes a little patience after your tooth extraction to keep the healing process going!

Even though it seems scary and you might be nervous, our staff is here to alleviate your fears about a tooth extraction. It is a painless procedure, and everyone here will help you be as comfortable as possible. With an average of 25 years of experience, our team is well-qualified to oversee your dental care.

1. Your Dentist Will Examine Your Mouth

First, your dentist will examine your mouth visually to see what’s going on. They will see how much damage is on your tooth as much as possible before an X-ray.

2. We Will Take Digital X-Rays

Then, we will take digital X-rays of your mouth to see what is happening below the gum line. This will help determine if your tooth extraction will be simple or complicated.

3. Your Doctor Will Discuss With You Exactly What Will Happen

Your Parkcrest dentist will talk with you about exactly what will happen during and after the procedure.

4. Keeping Your Lips Open With a Retractor

A specialized device called a retractor will keep your lips open during the tooth extraction. These are lightweight, spring-loaded items with curved surfaces designed to keep your lips open. This allows your care team to move specialized tools in and out of your mouth more easily.

5. Using Suction and Rinsing

Your dental care team will use two devices throughout the process. First, a suction tube will remove excess saliva from your mouth. Second, a small water squirter will deliver small squirts of water to rinse your mouth.

6. Numbing Your Mouth

Your doctor will tell you that you will feel a slight prick just before your mouth goes numb. This is when the local anesthetic takes hold to prevent any pain during the tooth extraction.

7. Gently Removing the Tooth

Your dentist may use a couple of tools to gently remove the tooth. First, a small tool called an elevator can gently raise the tooth further above the gum line. This is to try to prevent the forceps from grabbing any soft material. Then, your dentist uses special forceps to remove the tooth completely. 

8. Placing Gauze

Finally, your dentist will place sterile gauze where the tooth once was. The goal of the gauze is to stem blood flow at the extraction point while your body forms blood clots.

Typical recovery times can vary from two days to a week or two, depending on the extraction’s complexity.

Caring for your mouth after a tooth extraction starts by following your dentist’s instructions. Your body will naturally heal your mouth completely in a few days under normal circumstances!

1. Get Some Rest

Please avoid any strenuous activity for the next 24 hours. If needed, have someone drive you home, do chores around the house, or go shopping. Consider taking care of errands beforehand, if you can, so you can rest after the tooth extraction.

2. Gently Bite Down on Sterile Gauze 

Your doctor will instruct you to gently bite down on sterile gauze to help control any bleeding from the extraction site. Switch out the gauze every 20 minutes to an hour until the bleeding stops altogether in around four to six hours.

3. Apply an Ice Pack to Reduce Discomfort

Consider applying an ice pack to your cheek near the spot of the extraction. Make sure to put a cloth between the ice pack and your cheek. Put the ice on it for 15 to 20 minutes, and then keep the ice off of it for an hour before icing it again.

4. Eat Soft Foods for 24 to 48 Hours

To reduce chewing while the extraction heals, eat soft foods for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid overly hot or overly cold foods. Think about these choices:

• Smoothies   
• Yogurt   
• Pudding   
• Mashed potatoes   
• Soup   
• Applesauce
• Eggs   
• Pasta   
• Soft vegetables   
• Cooked fish

Cut foods into small pieces so they are easier to chew. Avoid sipping liquids with a straw.

5. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Take one sip of water every 15 minutes.

6. Brush Teeth Gently

Gently brush your teeth and avoid the tooth extraction spot when brushing. Keeping your mouth clean can make the healing process easier.

7. Rinse With Warm Salt Water

Mix 1 teaspoon salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Swish this in your mouth for 30 seconds, and then spit it out. Do this as needed to alleviate pain and soreness.

8. Take Pain Medication as Instructed

Your doctor will instruct you to take over-the-counter pain medication, like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

9. Take Prescribed Antibiotics

Your dentist will also prescribe antibiotics to prevent an infection. Please follow the instructions on the bottle label for the best results.

10. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Avoid smoking, tobacco, and alcohol for 48 hours after the tooth extraction. Both of these activities can hinder the healing process.

Call your dentist if any of these things occur:

1. Excessive bleeding at the extraction site
2. Severe pain in your mouth
3. Swelling that worsens
4. Signs of infection, like a fever or pus