You may need a tooth extraction if you have any heavily decayed teeth that are beyond saving, or if you are getting dentures. A tooth extraction is the procedure of removing a tooth from its socket, detaching it from its ligaments and root nerves.
Restorative dental procedures such as implants, root canals, crowns, or bridges may not be enough to save a damaged tooth.
The purpose of the restorative dentistry we practice at Artistic Smiles is largely to prevent the decay of these fundamental tissues.
We want to do everything in our power to save your natural teeth.
Tooth Extraction Process
A tooth extraction may be performed by a general dentist or specialist. Before any dental extractions, a dental exam is necessary to assess the condition of the patient's teeth and soft tissues.
After the physical examination an x-ray is taken to see if there is any internal damage to the tooth or loss of alveolar bone structure.
Some people may have more complex conditions than others and extraction may require the care of a referred oral surgeon or periodontist.
During dental extractions, a local anesthetic is administered, numbing the tooth and surrounding tissues.
If damage is minimal, the dentist will use forceps to rock the tooth back and forth, loosening it from micro ligaments in the socket, and pulling it out from the root.
Some dental extractions are partially surgical, the gum surrounding the tooth will be cut away so it can be easily extracted from the socket.
The tooth may not have enough surface area for the forceps to grip onto if it has been severely damaged from decay or broken off at the gum line.
In these cases, the tooth will be extracted in pieces.
After the extraction, the socket is cleaned. Our dentist will place a small piece of medical gauze over the socket.
In order for the wound to heal a blood clot will naturally form, the gauze is there to prevent excess bleeding and keep the socket moist. If necessary, our dentist will place a few self-dissolving stitches to close the gum's edges over the extraction side.
Sometimes Bone Grafts Are Needed
For patients with significant bone loss, the dentist may use a bone graft to prevent further bone loss in the jaw.
A bone graft fuses with living tissues and stimulates the regeneration of bone growth. The tissue can be taken from your own body, it may be a synthetic tissue, or it may be sourced from a human tissue bank, or animal tissue bank.
How to care for your mouth after a tooth extraction
Our dentist will recommend the proper aftercare and diet during your recovery. Caring for your mouth after a tooth extraction is crucial to promote healing and prevent complications.
After your tooth extraction, you will bite gently on the gauze pad placed by the dentist to control bleeding. Change the gauze when it becomes soaked with blood, usually every 30 to 45 minutes.
Some oozing of blood is normal for the first few hours. If bleeding persists, bite on a moist tea bag for 30 minutes. Tea contains tannins, which can help clot the blood.
Apply an ice pack to the affected area for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. Use it for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.
Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed. Avoid aspirin as it can increase bleeding.
Be gentle when brushing your teeth, avoiding the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After that, you can rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day, especially after meals.
Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or sucking through a straw for at least 24 hours, as these activities can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket and lead to dry socket.
Stick to a soft diet for the first few days, including soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid hot, spicy, and crunchy foods.
Rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours. Physical exertion can increase bleeding. Avoid smoking or using tobacco, as it can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
Attend any follow-up appointments scheduled by the dentist to monitor your healing progress.
Healing from a tooth extraction
The time it will take for you to heal from the tooth extraction may take between 48-72 hours.
This depends on the conditions of your dental extractions, if you have gum disease or a bone graft, healing may take longer. It can take several weeks for the jawbone to heal completely from a bone graft.
If you are considering restoring the extracted tooth with a dental implant and have had both an extraction and bone graft, you will need to wait a few months, as the implant needs a strong supporting bone structure before it can be installed.
Signs you Might Need an Extraction
Extraction of a tooth is typically considered only when preserving the tooth is not feasible, and our Agoura Hills dentist only conducts tooth removal when it becomes necessary for your oral health. There are several reasons you may need a tooth removed.
Extensive tooth decay that has damaged a significant portion of the tooth may require extraction if it cannot be restored with a filling, crown, or other dental procedures.
Advanced gum disease (periodontal disease) can lead to the loosening of teeth. In severe cases, extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection.
Wisdom teeth (third molars) may become impacted, meaning they don't fully emerge from the gum. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and damage to nearby teeth, necessitating extraction.
If a tooth infection (abscess) is severe and not responsive to antibiotics or root canal treatment, extraction may be recommended to prevent the infection from spreading.
It's important to consult with our dentist if you experience persistent dental pain, swelling, or any other concerning symptoms.
Our dentist will assess your oral health, take x-rays if necessary, and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include extraction if other options are not viable.
why choose artistic smiles for dental extractions
There is a lot to consider with tooth extraction, it's not as simple as pulling a tooth.
You can consult our dentist in Agoura Hills, John Abajian DDS, here at Artistic Smiles, using the information taken from a dental exam so he can determine a plan for treatment.
Reach out to our team at (818) 930-5647 to schedule a dental exam.
