We all have painful memories of some self-managed tooth extraction we performed on one of our baby teeth. Perhaps it was the old “tie your tooth to a doorknob and wait for someone to open the door” technique that scarred you or losing a milk tooth after biting on something hard.
Fortunately, dentists have a lot more expertise when it comes to extracting teeth. These treatments are virtually painless thanks to the anesthetics used, so there is nothing to worry about. There is a recovery period after getting an extraction, but that mostly involves dealing with soreness as the area heals.
Tooth extraction can be broken into two types: simple and surgical. Simple extractions are performed when the tooth can be easily reached, while surgical extractions are done when incisions have to be made to reach a tooth that is trapped deep inside gum or bone tissues.
What to expect when getting a tooth extraction
Extractions are typically used as a last resort when there is no other way to save the affected tooth. For example, dentists might decide to extract an infected tooth to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body like the brain and heart, where it can have life-threatening consequences.
The process starts with the dentist examining the patient’s teeth with diagnostic tools like x-rays, making sure an extraction is the best way to address the patient’s problems. Depending on the type of extraction being performed, a local or a general anesthetic might be administered. Local anesthetics are typically used for simple extractions unless the patient needs to have several teeth extracted at once. General anesthesia is not typically used when simple extractions are performed.
The anesthetic numbs the patient, so they do not feel much as the dentist works. They just feel the dentist pushing and pulling on their teeth as they work. If general anesthesia is used, the patient will be unconscious during their treatment, so they will not feel anything. The process of extracting a tooth involves removing its visible part and roots.
It typically takes an hour or less to extract a tooth. There will be some bleeding at the site of the extraction. That can be managed by biting down on a piece of gauze.
Recovering after an extraction
The recovery period after an extraction lasts about a week for many patients. It can take up to a month for the surgical site to fully heal.
Dentists recommend sticking to liquid and soft foods for the first few days after an extraction. Patients should avoid any foods that can get into the socket and aggravate the area. The soreness coming from the socket of the extracted tooth can be addressed with prescription or over-the-counter painkillers.
Patients should avoid brushing and flossing for the first few days after an extraction. A saltwater rinse should be used to clean the mouth instead.
Get the treatment you need
Call or visit our Emerson clinic to learn more about what goes on during tooth extractions and how they can protect your health.
Request an appointment here: / or call Robert Martini, DDS at (201) 620-9998 for an appointment in our Emerson office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.