A tooth extraction is sometimes necessary when teeth become too damaged to be repaired with fillings or crowns. Severe decay or damage can also lead to infection, requiring tooth extraction to prevent spread of bacteria in the mouth.

During a surgical extraction, you will be under sedation or general anesthesia. Before the procedure begins, your dentist will numb your gums and the area around the extracted tooth.

Preparation

Prior to the surgery, we will provide a person with prescription and over-the-counter medications that are used to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure. A person should make sure to take these medications as directed. Failure to do so can hinder the healing process and result in complications.

We will also instruct a person on how to care for the extraction site afterward. This is because a blood clot needs to form in the empty tooth socket so that the wound can heal properly. Taking steps to prevent dislodging this clot can help prevent complications like dry socket.

We typically advise a person to avoid eating food for about 12 hours before the surgery. If the person is to receive sedation, this may be extended to about 24 hours. This is done to reduce the risk of aspiration during surgery. A person should also plan ahead for how they will get home after the procedure, as they will likely not be able to drive until the anesthesia wears off.

Anesthesia

A dentist or oral surgeon injects a local anesthetic to numb the specific area of the mouth affected by the tooth extraction. It’s important to wait for the anesthesia to take effect before the procedure begins to prevent pain and discomfort.

Depending on the case, you may also receive general anesthesia to remain unconscious and calm throughout the process. Your dentist will discuss the anesthesia options and risks with you before your procedure.

Most people don’t remember the procedure afterwards or feel any pain. However, the anesthesia may make you drowsy and it’s best to bring someone with you for driving home afterward.

To control bleeding, your dentist or oral surgeon will place a layer of gauze over the surgical site. Biting down firmly on the gauze for 30 minutes will help control bleeding and encourage a blood clot to form. Avoid rinsing or spitting, as this can dislodge or delay the formation of the clot and may lead to complications.

Extracting the Tooth

In most cases, we can perform a simple extraction under local anesthesia. This involves lifting the tooth and twisting it out of its socket with dental forceps.

If the tooth is firmly embedded in its socket, your dentist may recommend surgical extraction. This more complex procedure requires a deeper level of preparation and is usually done by an oral surgeon in a hospital setting. It is used for impacted teeth or teeth that are severely decayed, damaged, or broken.

Surgical extractions can cause significant bleeding for the first day or two after the procedure. During this time, you should bite firmly on the gauze pads placed by your dentist to control blood flow and encourage a clot to form in the tooth’s socket. Change the pads as needed, and avoid spitting or rinsing the area because this could dislodge the clot and delay healing. You should eat soft foods and use an ice pack to help reduce swelling.

Post-Extraction Care

In most cases, your dentist will provide you with post-extraction care instructions that you should follow. These instructions can help mitigate pain and prevent complications. They might include avoiding foods and drinks that are hot, chewy, or crunchy. They might also ask you to rinse your mouth with warm saline solution for twelve hours or more. This will keep the wound clean and prevent infection. In addition, your dentist may ask you to avoid using straws or spitting forcefully since these actions could dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket.

In order to minimize pain and swelling, you should apply an ice pack to your cheek in ten-minute increments. To do this, place the ice in a plastic bag that is sealed tightly and then wrap it in a cloth or towel. Taking an over-the-counter painkiller can also help mitigate discomfort. Finally, you should arrange for transportation to and from your appointment because the sedation used in tooth extraction can render you unable to drive immediately afterward.