If you have a badly damaged, decayed, or diseased tooth, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon to have it pulled. Generally tooth extraction is a last-resort option when other procedures like root canals can not be done. Despite sounding painful, the process today is relatively painless, particularly if a skilled oral surgeon performs the extraction. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide so you know what to expect. 

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?

1. Local Anesthetic

The oral surgeon starts by administering a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding gum and bone tissue. You may feel a slight pinch, but it’s quick and the numbness takes effect shortly thereafter.  You still receive local anesthesia even if you opt for IV anesthesia (sedation).  this is because it is the local anesthesia that addresses the pain

2. Loosening of the Periodontal Ligaments

Your tooth is held in by fine periodontal ligaments (PDL).  Once your tooth and surrounding tissues are numbed, the oral surgeon basically severs these ligaments and expands the bone around the roots to easily remove the tooth roots. As the tooth is manipulated, you should feel only some pressure or a squeezing sensation.

3. Tooth Extraction

After sufficiently expanding the socket and loosening the tooth, the oral surgeon uses forceps to remove it. This usually requires back and forth, and a rotational motion to fully separate the tooth from the ligaments holding it in place. You may feel some pressure, but no pain. 

4. Close Extraction Site

When the tooth extraction process is complete, the oral surgeon will remove any remaining infected tissue and then clean the empty socket. They may place material in the socket to assist with clotting and to prevent excessive bleeding. Most simple tooth extractions do not require stitches, but surgical extractions, like impacted wisdom tooth removal, do.

5. Post-Operative Instructions

As you’re biting down on gauze to control any bleeding, your oral surgeon will provide you with post-operative instructions. This may include applying cold compresses to your face to minimize swelling, taking medications to alleviate pain and reduce the risk of infection, and a list of foods and drinks to avoid for the first couple of days.

Tooth extraction procedures may sound intimidating, but they’re generally simple and painless, especially in the hands of a skilled oral surgeon. Lyle C. Yanagihara, DDS, MS, has extensive experience in tooth extractions as well as more complex procedures like wisdom teeth removal. Learn more by visiting his website or call his Honolulu, HI, office at (808) 973-1433.