Extractions Specialist

Why are extractions sometimes necessary?

Even though permanent teeth are made to last your lifetime, it doesn't always happen. For example, you might need to have a tooth extracted because it is too severely damaged to keep. Trauma, decay, and lifestyle can all lead to needing a tooth pulled.

Your dentist may recommend an extraction if you're dealing with one of the following situations:

• Risk of infection from a failed root canal
• Risk of infection during chemotherapy or an organ transplant
• Advanced periodontal (gum) disease
• Extra or crowded teeth
• No room for wisdom teeth (third molars)

What should I expect from an extraction procedure?

There are two types of extractions: a simple extraction and a surgical extraction. Simple extractions are just like they sound. They're simple! Simple extractions are performed on teeth that can be seen in your mouth. In a simple extraction, your highly experienced dentist at Wedgwood Family Dentistry will loosen the tooth with an instrument called an elevator and gently remove it with dental forceps.

A surgical extraction is more involved. The tooth may not have fully grown into the mouth, as is typical with wisdom teeth, or it may be broken off at the gum line. During a surgical extraction, your dentist makes a little cut into the gum to locate and take out the tooth in question. The affected tooth may need to be sectioned (cut into parts) so it can be more easily removed. Some bone may also need to be removed from around the tooth.

Your dentist gives you a local anesthetic before both a surgical extraction and simple extraction, so you don’t feel any pain. If you’re having several teeth extracted at once, as is typical with wisdom teeth extraction, your dentist may give you a general anesthetic so you don’t feel pain and you sleep through the entire procedure.

How long does it take to heal from a tooth extraction?

While it's contingent on your particular case and the number of teeth you had removed, healing usually takes one or two weeks. You'll experience new gum tissue and bone growth where your teeth used to be. As your healing progresses, you might feel discomfort and soreness or have problems chewing, depending on the extent of your dental surgery.

Every patient is different, so contact Wedgwood Family Dentistry and schedule a consultation so you can learn about your options and any necessary follow-up procedures like crowns or dental implants.

Call or schedule online using the booking tool.