Why Would I Need Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Severe damage from decay or a badly broken tooth is among the most common reasons for tooth extraction. People who have badly crowded teeth may need one extracted, or a baby tooth may prevent a permanent tooth from coming in. The third molars (wisdom teeth) may need extraction if they are decayed, cause pain or become infected.

What Happens During a Single Tooth Extraction?

Extracting a single tooth is relatively simple and is performed in the dentist's office. The dentist will give you a local anesthetic to make the area numb and then loosen the tooth with a device called an elevator. Once the tooth is loose enough, the dentist will grasp it with forceps and remove it from the jaw. Gauze and direct pressure are applied to the socket to stop bleeding.

What If I Need Multiple Teeth Extracted?

For multiple tooth extractions, you are more likely to have both a local anesthetic and intravenous anesthesia (conscious sedation) or even general anesthesia. The latter is usually done in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. In either case, you will need an intravenous line placed in a vein in your arm. The dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision or incisions in your gum line and uses extractors and forceps to remove the teeth.

Is Follow-up Care Necessary?

If you have conscious sedation or general anesthesia, you will need to recover from the effects and someone else must drive you home. Mild pain is the norm after an extraction; in most cases, over-the-counter medications are all that is necessary. You may have some mild oozing or bleeding from the incisions and should not disturb the clot that forms on the wound. Ice packs can help relieve pain and swelling. Eat soft foods for the first few days. Use warm salt water rinses instead of brushing your teeth. You may need to return for stitch removal and a checkup after a week to 10 days.