From fillings to root canals, oral health professionals can do a lot to save a tooth. But in some cases, the best treatment option is to have it removed. Teeth extraction is a simple, outpatient procedure. If it’s your first time getting a tooth removed, prepare with these frequently asked questions.

What You Should Know About Teeth Extraction

When should I have a tooth removed?

A tooth should be extracted if it’s too compromised to be restored, such as when decay is too severe to allow for a filling or root canal treatment. Extraction may also be necessary if the tooth poses a risk to surrounding teeth and gum tissue, such as a case of overcrowding or misalignment.

Wisdom tooth removal is a more involved extraction process that occurs when a person’s mouth can’t accommodate the extra set of molars that emerge during the teens or early twenties.

What happens during the extraction?

Most tooth removals can be completed in under an hour. First, your dental team will provide local or general anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure. If necessary, a small incision will be made in the gum tissue to expose more of the tooth’s surface area.

Next, the dentist or oral surgeon will use specialized forceps to gently rock the affected tooth back and forth. At this point, you may feel some pressure but not pain as your provider pulls the tooth out from the socket.

What aftercare tips should I follow?

Immediately after the procedure, you should compress the treatment area with gauze for about 30 minutes to stop bleeding.

Typically, discomfort can be managed by applying ice packs to the treatment area or taking the appropriate dosage of over-the-counter pain relievers.

To avoid dry sockets—a painful condition when the blood clot is dislodged—you should eat soft foods, chew with the other side of your mouth, and avoid smoking until the site has healed.   

How can I replace a missing tooth?

Once the extraction site has healed, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about dental implants. These durable, natural-looking prosthetics are permanently fused with the jawbone to replace missing teeth. In addition to completing your smile, they can support normal chewing and biting.

When your dental health requires surgical care, turn to the Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska. Based in Anchorage, these experienced oral surgeons are equipped to perform all types of procedures, including teeth extractions and wisdom teeth removal. Providing gentle and personalized care at every step, these professionals will guide you through the recovery process and assist with future restoration needs, such as dental implants. Visit this clinic online to learn more about these services, or call (907) 561-1430 to schedule a consultation.