Protecting Your Oral Health With Safe Extractions
Our priority is to help you maintain a healthy smile with your natural teeth, but in some cases, extraction is necessary. Whether due to crowding, disease, or trauma, we take a conservative approach to tooth removal. While oral surgery may sound serious, most extractions are routine and performed with expert care to ensure a smooth recovery.
Leaving a problematic tooth untreated can lead to pain, infection, and further dental complications. If an extraction is needed, we’ll ensure the procedure is as comfortable and efficient as possible.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
The most common type of tooth extraction is wisdom tooth removal. Since wisdom teeth can cause crowding, misalignment, or infections, they are often extracted before or after they emerge. However, extractions may also be necessary for other reasons, such as:
- Advanced tooth decay
- Broken, damaged, or infected teeth
- Impacted or improperly erupted teeth
- Severe gum disease
- Creating space for orthodontic treatment
- Tooth complications due to medications or medical treatments
Determining the Type of Extraction You Need
Before an extraction, we take X-rays to assess your tooth and determine the best approach. If removal is necessary, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area for a pain-free experience. For those with dental anxiety, sedation options are available, but you’ll need someone to drive you home if sedation is used.
For a simple extraction, the process is quick and efficient. The Irvine Dentist gently loosens the tooth using an elevator tool, widening the socket for easy removal. Once loosened, forceps are used to extract the tooth. You may feel slight pressure, but anesthesia prevents pain. After removal, the area is cleaned, and gauze is applied to control bleeding.
Surgical Extraction vs. Simple Extraction
There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical. A simple extraction is a straightforward procedure used to remove a fully visible tooth without affecting the surrounding bone or gums. A surgical extraction is necessary when a tooth is partially or fully trapped beneath the gumline. In these cases, the dentist or oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum and may need to remove a portion of bone to access the tooth. Since this procedure is more complex, stitches are required, and pain medication may be prescribed for a smooth recovery.
Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential for healing after a tooth extraction. Whether simple or surgical, following your dentist’s instructions helps prevent complications. After removal, a blood clot forms in the empty socket, acting like a scab to stop bleeding and promote healing. It’s crucial not to disturb it.
For the first three days, avoid smoking, using straws, spitting, or blowing your nose, as these actions can dislodge the clot and cause a painful dry socket. If this occurs, contact us immediately. With proper care, healing typically takes one to two weeks.
To prevent shifting of teeth and jaw changes, consider replacing the missing tooth with a dental bridge or implant. Reach out to explore your options.