Teeth Extractions

Teeth Extractions

Koeppel Dental Group – A Dental365 Company will do everything possible to save your tooth. Unfortunately, sometimes due to pain, decay, cracks, impacted (growing sideways) wisdom tooth, or periodontal disease, a tooth may be deemed hopeless. To avoid future pain and infection, this tooth would need an extraction. Many advances in numbing and procedure techniques have made the extraction easier for the patient during the treatment and less painful during the healing process. Our compassionate, board-certified oral surgeon is aware that taking a single tooth or many teeth out can be a scary thought. His expertise and gentle touch will ensure you, the patient, a smooth experience with an easy recovery. We are proud to offer sedation dentistry to promise a relaxed visit.

Does tooth extraction hurt?

Tooth extraction is no longer a painful procedure due to the use of modern anesthetic which numbs the area before any procedure is performed. Patients are likely to experience only a small pulling of the tooth as it is wiggled out. If you are concerned or sensitive to pain dental sedation options are available that can help make you more relaxed during the procedure or even put you to sleep entirely. Our board-certified oral surgeon gladly offers sedation dentistry to our patients. You can rest easy, knowing that you are in the hands of an expert while you calmly have your procedure completed.

What to expect during tooth extraction

The extraction procedure is simple but will vary based on the type of extraction being performed. There are two types of dental extractions, surgical and simple. A surgical extraction is performed for teeth that are below the gumline and are not visible. Simple extractions are performed for teeth that are visible but may have become impacted and require extraction.

During a simple extraction, a dentist will gently loosen the tooth and slowly wiggle it out. You will not feel any pain, as anesthesia will be used to completely numb before starting the procedure. Before you know it, the extraction will be done!

How long does teeth extraction take?

A simple tooth extraction can be finished in 30 minutes or less depending on the condition of the tooth. Surgical tooth extractions may take longer because they require incisions to be made to get underneath the gums to pull out the tooth. If a tooth has been severely damaged dentists will take additional time to remove any fractured pieces that could become infected if left alone.

What if I need multiple teeth pulled?

If more than one tooth is being extracted, many times an alveloplasty procedure will also be part of the extraction. This process smooths down the hard tissue that is left after the tooth is extracted creating a more comfortable healing process. Although many doctors do not perform this, it is critical for your comfort during the healing process. It ensures that no sharp areas will cause you pain or soreness. Your healing time will be reduced, and a level area will now be a better foundation for the placements of a bridge, denture or implants.

After the procedure

Once the tooth is extracted, there is a space left in the bone where the tooth used to be. It is critical to replace this space with a bone graft and membrane at the time the tooth is extracted. Teeth and bone work together in our mouths: teeth are supported by the bone, and the bone is supported by the teeth. After an extraction, the bone quickly starts to melt away. We want to slow this process from happening to avoid potential complications to the teeth next to this area. This is also necessary if there is a desire to place an implant to replace the tooth.

Bone graft is like a sand-like substance that is sprinkled into the site where the tooth used to be. This material preserves the space, as well as helps your bone grow into this area to make it your own. After about three months, the bone graft will be completely replaced by your bone. The membrane is used as a tent to hold the bone graft into place. It has a similar function as gums by protecting the bone graft while it becomes your own bone. Once this is all into place, the doctor will securely close this area with a few small stitches.

Our staff will then sit with you to review any post-operative instructions, as well as review any medications that may be recommended for you. There is never a rush in our office, so you will have as much time as you need to ask questions and clarify any concerns that arise. We specialize in personalized care. We will even send you home with a care package that includes some soft foods to get you started in case you did not have time to stop at the grocery store. Your comfort is our top priority throughout this entire process!

How long does a tooth extraction take to heal?

It may take about 48 hours for the treatment area to properly form a blood clot which is crucial to the healing process. It is important that you do not play with the area of the tooth extraction with your tongue as this can loosen the blood clot and cause bleeding again slowing down the time it takes to heal. After about 72 hours from your tooth extraction you should be okay to return to normal activity. If left undisturbed a tooth extraction can fully heal in approximately 3 or 4 weeks.

What foods can I eat after tooth extraction?

After you have a tooth pulled it is important to make sure you eat proper foods that won’t cause any additional discomfort or slow down the healing process. Some foods that are good to eat after a tooth extraction include:

• Yogurt
• Soup
• Applesauce
• Eggs
• Bananas
• Smoothies
• Oatmeal

Koeppel dental group can send you home with some foods to get started, however you may want to plan to have some of these foods ready before the day of your procedure.