Tooth Extractions FAQs

A dentist or oral surgeon performs a tooth extraction to completely remove a damaged tooth from your mouth. The procedure is routine for experienced dentists.

For just one tooth, expect your appointment to last anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes.

A simple tooth extraction happens when a dentist removes a visible tooth. When a tooth is broken, below the surface, or impacted, it may require a more complex procedure. Simple procedures generally cost less.

Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the pain. The anesthetic wears off after about four to five hours.

You might feel a slight pressure in your mouth along with a small snapping or creaking sound. That’s because both the tooth and the socket in your jaw are harder than the surrounding gum tissue.

Yes. Plan to spend an extra 10 minutes per tooth at your appointment.

There are several steps involved in a tooth extraction:

1. The dentist takes X-rays to get a full picture of your mouth before the procedure.
2. The doctor will discuss exactly what will happen and reassure you that you will feel no pain and an extraction is routine.
3. You’ll have a retractor put in your mouth to keep your lips open while your dentist takes a look.
4. Next, your dentist will numb your mouth. You’ll feel a slight prick before it does numb. That is the local anesthetic taking effect.
5. Then your dentist uses a tool called forceps to grab the tooth, gently twist it, and then remove it from your mouth.
6. Your dentist will place gauze against the tooth to lessen the bleeding. Expect your gums to bleed in that spot for a few hours afterward.
7. Throughout the procedure, your dentist will use a suction device to keep saliva away from your tooth.

Anywhere from two for six hours. Be careful not to bite or chew on your mouth to hasten the process because that will lead to bleeding and swelling.

Anywhere from two days to a week or two to fully heal. Your dentist will recommend over-the-counter pain medication for a few days to lessen the pain. You must also change out gauze every few hours for the first day until the bleeding stops.

After a week or two, the wound completely heals.

1. Rest for 24 hours after the extraction.
2. Allow the wound to clot by switching out the gauze.
3. Reduce swelling with cold packs or cold foods.
4. Take any medicines as prescribed. Your dentist might prescribe antibiotics to fight any possible infections if the tooth is abscessed.
5. Warm saline rinses can speed healing. 
6. Eat soft foods rather than hard foods to foster healing. Do not suck liquids from a straw because that can cause blood clots to come undone.

Contact Parkcrest Dental or call (417) 887-1220 for more information or to make an appointment with us. Our staff can help you if you or someone in your family needs a tooth extraction.