Tooth Extraction FAQs

Our permanent teeth are strong and designed to last for a lifetime. However, due to factors such as decay and accidents, the teeth may need to be extracted by an oral surgeon. It is important to note that extraction is not a general dental procedure. At KK Dental we perform teeth removal as a last resort when the teeth can’t be salvaged using other dental treatments.

When Do We Recommend Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction in adults is at times inevitable especially if you have any of the following dental problems:

• Overcrowding can occur when the upper and lower jaw overlap or when you don’t have enough space in your mouth. Our dentist can recommend teeth pulling in preparation for orthodontia– a procedure done to align the teeth.
• Impacted wisdom is the primary reason why we perform a tooth extraction. The wisdom teeth are the last to set in and sometimes they may become entrapped under the jaw. Tooth extraction is ideal not only because the wisdom causes pain, but also because they can affect your dental structure.
• Dental decay can affect the pulp and teeth creating the need for an extraction. We primarily perform the root canal procedure to get rid of decay and infection. However, when the teeth are severely damaged, we can extract the teeth to save the dental structure.
• Broken teeth can also require extraction if the structure, roots, and nerves beneath the teeth are severely damaged.
• Periodontal diseases can cause teeth to weaken or loosen making tooth extraction procedures necessary.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

The extraction process is different depending on the severity of the dental problem. The procedure can either be simple or surgical. Simple extractions are straightforward and easily performed. The dentist will numb the gum with local anesthesia and using special pliers the teeth will be pulled. The dentist will then sanitize and stitch the gums to facilitate healing. These stitches disintegrate over time and don’t need another dental procedure.

Surgical extractions are more complicated and done on impacted wisdom teeth. Because of the complexity of the procedure, the dentist will give you IV sedation.

How Long Will the Gum Take to Heal?

Though the healing time will depend on the type of surgery and the location of the teeth, you should expect to recover in seven to 14 days. The recovery time at times can take longer as the bone grows in the gum.

What Can You Expect After the Procedure?

A blood clot will form in the extracted gum. The blood clot helps with healing and it is important to protect it. If the blood clot dislodges or breaks, it can expose the gum causing dry socket. Not only will it affect the healing process, but the socket can also cause bad breath and pain.

It is normal to feel slight discomfort after the anesthesia wears off. Furthermore, you will have swelling and residual bleeding 24 hours after the extraction. The bleeding will clear up on its own, however, if it doesn’t stop four hours after the procedure calls our dentist immediately.

Also watch out for infection symptoms, redness, excessive discharge, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, coughs, or chest pain.

What Can You Do to Promote Gum Healing Speed Up the Healing Time?

Aftercare will affect your healing time, so follow the dentist’s instructions. Here are a few tips:

• Take pain relievers
• Use ice packs to reduce swelling
• Use saline water to rinse of the gum
• Don’t use a straw to avoid breaking the blood clot
• Elevate the head to stop bleeding
• Eat foods that require less chewing
• Brush and floss your teeth as you normally do, but avoid the site
• Limit activity for 24 to 48 hours

What to Do After Extraction?

When the gaps in between your teeth are left unfilled, they can cause the surrounding teeth to shift thereby weakening the structure. It is recommended to fill the spaces with veneers, bridges, or dental implants. All these dental solutions can work, so speak to the dentist on which one is suitable for you.