Tooth Extraction

Definition: a dental procedure that involves the removal of a tooth from its socket in the alveolar bone. There are several reasons for tooth extraction:

• A damaged tooth by decay that can’t be treated;
• A broken tooth;
• A loose tooth that can’t be fixed with the bone graft (bone replacement surgery);
• A “crowded mouth” - a tooth or more that need to be extracted to get braces;
• When baby teeth don’t fall out and permanent teeth are blocked from coming out;
• Wisdom tooth removal - if they get stuck in the jaw.

How does it work?

In some cases, before the procedure, you will need to take an X-ray of the area. Before pulling the tooth you will be given an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area followed by the loosening of the tooth with an elevator (loosening instrument), and its removal with another instrument called forceps. In some cases, a simple extraction as the one described above is not possible, so the dentist will resort to surgical extraction that involves general anesthesia and making a small incision of the gum. In more severe cases the dental surgeon may need to cut the bone around the tooth or cut the tooth in half to extract it.
After the tooth is removed the doctor may use a bite pack to apply pressure on the socket to stop the bleeding, and sometimes stitches may be used.

What are the risks?

• Infection;
• Bleeding; 
• Dry socket;
• Damage to the nearby teeth and nerves.

How to prepare for the procedure?

You should avoid drinking alcohol and smoking at least 24 h before the procedure. If you are having a surgical extraction, you should not drink or eat anything 6 hours before the procedure.

How long does the procedure take?

If you are having a simple extraction it should take no more than 20-30 min. In the case of a more complex problem involving a surgical extraction, the procedure may take 1 hour.

How to recover after the procedure?

• You may be prescribed antibiotics before and several days after the procedure;
• Pain could range from minor discomfort to severe which is manageable with pain killers;
• To ease the pain and swelling you could put an ice pack on your face, on the area of the extracted tooth;
• Avoid heavy rinsing of the mouth, drinking from a straw, spitting and smoking for the first 2-3 days after the procedure to avoid pulling out the blood clot formed in the socket;
• You can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water;
• The first couple of days after the procedure eat only soft and cool food;
• The first day after the procedure avoid heavy exercising and activities that involve keeping your head down; also sleep with a bigger pillow to avoid bleeding.