Services : Extractions

  • Extractions

    You and Dr. White or Dr. Thweatt may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

    Although the process of tooth extraction in most cases is relatively simple, the removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, your jaw joint, and shifting teeth. This can have a major impact on your overall dental health, and in the majority of instances you will benefit by saving a tooth rather than extracting it.

    Dr. White or Dr. Thweatt will always discuss the necessity, or lack thereof, of tooth extraction, potential complications, alternatives to extractions, and replacement of the extracted tooth or teeth.

    The Extraction Process

    At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.

    During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

    You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.

    If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

    Sectioning a tooth

    Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can't expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

    Bone Grafting

    In cases where an implant or sometimes a bridge will be placed soon after extraction of a tooth, bone grafting procedures may be indicated to preserve the height and width of current bone structure. Whether or not grafting procedure is indicated is on a case by case basis and will be discussed during the treatment planning phase prior to extraction.

    After Care

    Bleeding
    Some bleeding may occur. Placing a piece of moist gauze over the empty tooth socket and biting down firmly for 45 minutes can control this.

    Blood clots that form in the empty socket.
    This is an important part of the healing process and you must be careful not to dislodge the clot.

    - Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours after the extraction.
    - Avoid use of a straw, smoking, hot liquids, or alcohol.
    - If you are given prescriptions, take them as indicated.

    Swelling
    If swelling occurs you can place ice on your face for 10 minutes and off for 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle as you feel necessary for up to 24 hours.

    Pain and Medications
    If you experience pain you might use non-prescription pain relief medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

    Eating
    For most extractions just make sure you do your chewing away from the extraction site. Stay away from hot liquids and alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.
    A liquid diet may be recommended for 24 hours.

    Brushing and Cleaning
    After the extraction avoid brushing the teeth near the extraction site for one day. After that you can resume gentle cleaning. Avoid commercial mouth rinses, as they tend to irritate the site.
    Beginning 24 hours after the extraction you can rinse with salt water (1/2 teaspoon in a cup of water) after meals and before bed.

    Dry Socket
    Dry socket is when a blood clot fails to form in the socket where the tooth has been extracted or the clot has been dislodged and the healing is significantly delayed.

    Following the post extraction instructions will reduce the chances of developing dry socket. Dry sockets manifest themselves as a dull throbbing pain, which doesn't appear until three to four days after the extraction. The pain can be moderate to severe and radiate from the extraction area. Dry socket may cause a bad taste or bad breath and the extraction site appears dry.

    Dr. White or Dr. Thweatt will apply a medicated dressing to the dry socket to sooth the pain.

    Healing
    After a tooth has been extracted there will be a resulting hole in your jawbone where the tooth was. In time, this will smooth and fill in with bone. This process can take many weeks or months. However after 1- 2 weeks you should no longer notice any inconvenience.

    Oral Surgery Post-Op Instructions >>

    Replacing teeth with:
    Dental Implants
    Bridges
    Dentures