At Gentle Dental, we will do everything possible to help you retain your existing teeth and keep them healthy. However, there are times when a tooth is beyond restoration and needs to be extracted. That’s when it’s time to schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon.
There are several reasons a person may need a tooth extracted, including tooth decay, trauma, gum infection, advanced periodontal disease, abscess, and overcrowding or lack of space in the mouth. If you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity to heat or cold, contact Gentle Dental today to schedule an appointment. Your tooth may be able to be saved. We have many tooth replacement options all of which we can discuss during your consultation.
Tooth decay often occurs when a cavity has formed and goes untreated for an extended period. If you have the cavity filled, decay will typically decrease.
However, if the cavity is not treated in time, decay can continue to progress and cause the tooth to weaken. Once the cavity has overgrown the tooth, your tooth structure declines and you may need an extraction to prevent decay from spreading to other teeth and to reduce pain.
When you have damaged your tooth, a dentist can typically restore the tooth with a crown or dental bonding.
However, if the damage goes past the tooth pulp, your dentist may not be able to repair the tooth, and a dental extraction procedure may be needed. If the tooth is severely damaged, even if your dentist is able to repair it, there is still a risk of tooth decay or infection that can require an extraction in the future.
A dental abscess is when an infection forms at the tooth's root and tissue. In most situations, a dentist will be able to save the tooth with a root canal treatment. In a root canal treatment, the infected area is removed from the tooth roots.
However, in severe cases, the dentist may not be able to repair the tooth, and it may be in the patient’s best interest to have the tooth removed. Having a tooth extraction can help prevent further infection from spreading to your jawbone or adjoining teeth.
One of the most common types of oral surgery relates to wisdom teeth removal. Wisdom teeth often develop problems that require their extraction. When the jaw is not large enough to accommodate the wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth can grow sideways, emerge only part way or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.
Wisdom teeth extraction is generally recommended when:
Read more about wisdom teeth extraction.
Once the tooth is removed, you will want to take preventative steps to promote healing. Your dental team will provide you with treatment care instructions for your comfort and healing to reduce the possibility of complications.
Bleeding is normal but will subside. You will go home with a gauze pack placed on the extraction site to minimize the bleeding and promote a blood clot. Refrain from biting down or chewing on the gauze pack. Replace the pack as needed.
Dental extractions are performed in the dental office. Contact your local Gentle Dental location if you are experiencing tooth pain or discomfort.
Most dental insurance plans cover tooth extractions. We accept most insurances, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Delta Dental, Met Life, Guardian, Cigna, Altus, United Concordia, Assurant, Aetna.
If you don’t have insurance, we offer several payment options including:
Schedule an appointment for a consultation today.
Soft, malleable food is recommended. Liquid and soft foods such as apple sauce, yogurt, smoothies, soups, and mashed potatoes are the easiest to consume. Some cold foods like Jell-O, pudding, and ice cream can temporarily soothe pain and any discomfort you may experience.
Be sure to avoid any consumption that involves sucking, such as drinking through a straw or smoking. This can cause stitches to be removed and can open dry sockets in your gums.
Generally, pain from an extraction can last about a week. Pain will begin to decrease after the third day of healing, and after a week, new tissue will begin to form at the extraction site. The first two days of recovery will require the most attention and care. Bleeding will stop once the blood clot forms, which occurs during the two days immediately after the extraction. Be sure to rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and eat soft and malleable foods to avoid irritating the recovery area. If a dry socket forms at the extraction site, this will slow the recovery time and cause undue pain at the site.
Dental implants may be placed immediately following your tooth extraction, depending on your specific type of extraction. Immediate placement would occur after surgery if there is sufficient bone present around the extraction site. If the bone around the extraction needs to heal, the dental implant may be placed after 3 to 6 months.
If your request is a dental emergency, or you would like to call and schedule your dental appointment, contact information for our offices can be found here: Gentle Dental Locations. New patient offer not valid for emergency appointments.
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