Although permanent teeth often last your entire life, there are a number of reasons why a tooth extraction may be needed. Usually, a tooth will need to be pulled because it is too badly damaged from either trauma or decay to be repaired. An extraction may also be done if a tooth cannot break through the gum tissue (erupt) because there is not room in the mouth for it.

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What do extractions do?

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• Remove a painful, impacted, or infected tooth

• Prevent acute infection from spreading to other areas in your body

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What can I expect?

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Depending on the type and the number of extractions you have scheduled, you may elect to take a prescribed relaxant prior to your appointment. In this situation, you will need to have someone drive you to and from the office on the day of your surgery. You should eat a regular meal prior to your appointment as it may be a little while before you will be able to eat again comfortably.

 

When you arrive, we will numb the areas around the tooth or teeth to be extracted with a local anesthetic. During the extraction process, it is common to feel a lot of pressure. The affected tooth is firmly rocked back and forth in order to loosen it for removal. You should not feel any pain, just pressure.

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After your appointment, we recommend eating soft foods for the first few days and chewing on the opposite side away from the extraction site. Do not use a straw or spit after surgery. This can cause the blood clot that has formed in your extraction site to dislodge, creating a dry socket (a very painful exposure of the nerve). Smoking is also not recommend as it could also cause a dry socket to occur. You will be given proper care instructions at your appointment. Following these instructions will ensure that your extraction site heals beautifully.

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