How Tooth Extraction Works
The tooth extraction process is a routine procedure in which Dr. Thayne Dawson removes a tooth from a patient’s mouth at our Matanuska-Susitna Valley dental practice. There are two variations of the tooth extraction process — simple and surgical tooth extractions. At Northwind Dental, we take extensive precautions to protect the patient’s gums and the bone structures surrounding the extracted tooth. Read the following guide to understand what to expect during your procedure. Then, call (907) 373-2440 to learn more from our dentist in Wasilla, AK.
Why Dentists Recommend Tooth Extraction
When a patient visits Northwind Dental for tooth extraction, Dr. Dawson will carefully evaluate the situation and discuss all available options before deciding whether extraction is the best method for the patient’s oral health. Ultimately, the decision to extract a tooth is made on a case-by-case basis, considering the patient’s overall oral health condition and the specific circumstances surrounding the affected tooth.
Our Wasilla dentist may decide to perform tooth extractions a tooth for various reasons, including:
- Severe Tooth Decay: When a tooth is extensively decayed, it may not be possible to save it with a dental filling, a dental crown, or other restoration.
- Periodontal Disease: If a tooth has been severely affected by gum disease, it may become loose and need an extraction.
- Overcrowding: If a patient’s mouth is overcrowded and there’s not enough room for all the teeth, extraction may be recommended to create space.
- Impacted Teeth: Sometimes teeth become impacted, meaning they’re trapped beneath the gum line and cannot erupt properly. This is especially common for wisdom teeth. In these cases, having the tooth pulled may be necessary to prevent further dental complications from developing.
- Orthodontic Treatment: When a patient undergoes orthodontic treatment, sometimes teeth need to be extracted to make room for proper alignment of the remaining teeth.
Tooth Extraction: Step By Step
Tooth extraction involves several steps and may vary slightly depending on the specific situation, the type of extraction, and the approach taken by the dentist or oral surgeon. At our Matanuska-Susitna Valley dental practice, you can expect to encounter the following:
- Evaluation: Before the extraction, Dr. Dawson will evaluate the tooth and surrounding area, taking X-rays if necessary, to determine the best approach and identify any potential complications.
- Anesthetic: Local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area around the tooth. In some cases, we may recommend dental sedation.
- Loosening the Tooth: Using specialized tools, the tooth will be gently loosened from the surrounding gum tissue and bone tissue.
- Extraction: Once the tooth is sufficiently loose, Dr. Dawson will use forceps to carefully rock it back and forth, removing it from the socket. The tooth may need to be sectioned or cut into pieces to make removal easier.
- Cleaning and Suturing: After the extraction, the area will be cleaned and may require stitches to help the tissue heal properly. A small piece of gauze or other material may be placed over the extraction site to help stop bleeding.
- Post-operative Care: Our team will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the extraction site, pain management, and how to reduce swelling. These directions may include taking prescribed pain medication, avoiding certain foods and activities, and using ice or heat therapy.
Following our instructions carefully after a tooth extraction is crucial to minimize the risk of complications and promote proper healing. With gentle care, most patients fully recover within a few days to a week after tooth extraction.
The Simple and Surgical Extraction Processes
A simple tooth extraction is performed on a tooth visible in the mouth and not impacted. This procedure involves numbing the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic, loosening it with specialized tools, and gently removing it from the socket. A simple extraction can usually be completed in a single visit and doesn’t require incisions or sutures.
In contrast, surgical tooth extraction is a more complex procedure performed on impacted, broken, or difficult-to-access teeth. This type of extraction may also be necessary if the tooth has multiple roots or is close to sensitive structures such as nerves surrounding bone, or sinuses.
During a surgical extraction at Northwind Dental, Dr. Dawson may need to make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth and remove some bone tissue to extract it. This procedure may require dental sedation or general anesthesia, and it may require several visits to complete. Following a surgical extraction, you may need to follow more detailed aftercare instructions to promote proper healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth extraction is safe, but like any medical procedure, it does carry some risks. These risks may include bleeding, infection, damage to surrounding teeth or structures, and dry socket, a painful condition that can occur when the blood clot in the extraction site becomes dislodged. Dr. Dawson will discuss potential risks or complications with you before the tooth removal procedure.
Most tooth extractions require a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. In some cases, we may recommend sedation or general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety during the surgical procedure itself.
If you receive only a local anesthetic, you should be able to drive home after the procedure. However, if you receive sedation or general anesthesia, you’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for a while until the effects of the local anesthesia wear off.
The length of a tooth extraction procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the dental extraction, and your individual situation. A simple extraction may take only a few minutes, while a surgical extraction may take up to an hour or more.
Learn More About the Tooth Extraction Process, Call Now!
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that may be necessary for several reasons, including decay, infection, trauma, or overcrowding. While the thought of having a tooth pulled may be intimidating, remember that modern techniques and anesthesia can minimize discomfort and ensure a safe and successful procedure. Learn more about the extraction process by contacting Northwind Dental at (907) 373-2440. We proudly serve patients from Wasilla, Palmer, Houston, and the greater Anchorage, AK area.