If you’ve been told you need a tooth pulled, you might be feeling a little nervous. The good news is that extraction is a very common procedure, and your dentist understands how to perform this treatment safely and comfortably. If you’re concerned about what to expect, here’s what will happen during your tooth removal, and how to make your recovery as smooth as possible.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
There are two different types of tooth extraction procedures: surgical and simple. The steps for both treatments are very similar. Your dentist may be able to perform a simple extraction on a front or erupted tooth; however, for impacted teeth like wisdom teeth, a surgical extraction may be required. Here are the steps for both.
Tooth Numbing
Before your dentist attempts to remove your tooth or teeth, they will numb the tooth and it’s surrounding areas, so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Tooth Extraction
Once the area is completely numb, your dentist will then remove the tooth from its socket. To do this, they will gently rock the tooth back and forth, widening the socket to separate it from the ligament. Then, they will use forceps to grip the tooth and pull it from the socket.
If your tooth is impacted (underneath the gum tissue) your dentist will need to make an incision in the gum tissue to access it before the extraction process can begin.
Space Closing
Once the tooth is removed, your dentist needs to close the space where it used to be. If there is any loose bone or infected tissue, this will be removed as well. Your dentist will then compress the socket so it can return to its normal size. Any sharp edges of bone will also be rounded off at this time.
Next, your dentist will apply firm pressure to your extraction site with gauze. This minimizes bleeding and helps form a clot. If your extraction was surgical, your dentist will stitch up the site to prevent infection from occurring.
Recovery
Recovering from a tooth extraction could take several days. Immediately following the removal, you should keep the gauze in place for 30 to 60 minutes to help control the bleeding. You can apply an ice pack to your face over the site to help reduce pain and swelling. Here are a few other steps you can take to help encourage the healing process, lower your infection risk, and stay comfortable:
- Keep biting on gauze and change it as needed
- Rest for the first 24 hours
- Take any prescription or OTC pain medicine
- Do not smoke, vape, or drink from a straw
- Eat only soft foods for two to three days
- Do not touch the removal site when brushing and flossing your teeth
It is normal to experience some swelling and pain in the days following your extraction procedure. However, if you notice any excessive bleeding, severe pain, a fever, or a lot of discharge from the socket, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Remember, tooth extraction procedures are quite common. While they may come with some discomfort, following your aftercare instructions can help speed up the healing process so you’ll be back to normal in no time!
About Our Practice
At Bruner Dental, our skilled team of dentists have been performing tooth extractions for many years. We pride ourselves on delivering a comfortable treatment and are happy to assist you in making the recovery process as easy as possible.
If you need one or more teeth extracted, please schedule an appointment today by visiting our website or call us at 765-613-3128.
