Everything You Need to Know About Tooth Extractions

With more than 20,000 tooth extractions performed annually, they are the most common surgical procedure performed in the U.S., but more than one-third of those people experience dental anxiety or dental phobia. However, advances in dentistry have made the causes of those fears or phobias all but obsolete. Modern dentistry has streamlined and simplified tooth extractions so that they're quick and relatively painless.

If you think you need a tooth extraction, we can help. Call our Pennsylvania office, and we'll schedule an appointment and answer all your questions.

Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?

The objective of a tooth extraction is to maintain or regain your good oral health, so if you have a tooth that's decayed, damaged, or impacted, call our Pennsylvania office for an appointment. There can be multiple reasons for your problematic tooth, but an extraction may be the solution you need.

When you come to our Pennsylvania office for your appointment, your dentist will examine your tooth, and we'll take X-rays. Then we'll formulate a treatment plan to help you regain your good oral health. If you need an extraction, the most common types are a simple extraction and a surgical extraction.

Simple Extraction

A simple extraction is typically performed on a tooth that has become unusable. The tooth is decayed or damaged to the point that it can't be saved and extraction is the best option. A simple extraction uses a local anesthesia to numb the area and a special dental tool to gently extract the offending tooth from its socket. Simple extractions are used for teeth that are easily accessible and have no complications, such as being impacted.

Surgical Extraction 

A surgical extraction is used for more complex issues and on teeth that are not readily accessible, such as an impacted wisdom tooth or any other tooth that hasn't fully erupted. The surgical extraction procedure may require sedation, local anesthesia, or general anesthesia to ensure that you're comfortable throughout the procedure. You'll also have one or more incisions to allow extraction of the tooth, often in sections, and the incisions will be closed with one or more stitches.

If your dentist determines that your tooth needs a surgical extraction, we may refer you to a local oral surgeon. We recommend that you arrange for transportation home after a tooth extraction procedure, especially if you're having a surgical extraction.

How Long Will Recovery Take?

Recovery is an individualized process and will be determined by your unique physiology, your ability to heal, and the procedure you had. Surgical extractions typically require longer healing time than simple extractions. Although you'll be given aftercare instructions tailored to your unique needs, the following information may help aid and hasten your recovery:

1. Control bleeding by continuing to bite down on the gauze pad, changing it as needed. The bleeding should cease within about 30 minutes, but if it doesn't, call our Pennsylvania office for help.
2. Maintain cleanliness around the extraction site by gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times throughout the day. Don't rinse forcefully, or you might dislodge your clot.
3. Pain management should be successful with over-the-counter analgesics, but if you experience extreme discomfort, call our Pennsylvania office for help.
4. Avoid using a straw, smoking, spitting forcefully, or any strenuous activity during the first 24 hours after your procedure. Any of these can dislodge your clot and precipitate a condition called dry socket. If you have questions, call us.
5. Practice good self-care by avoiding strenuous activities until your site has healed, especially during the first 24 hours.
6. Maintain good oral hygiene but avoid the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After that time, you can clean the site by using a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you have questions or need help, call our Pennsylvania office, and we'll be happy to help you.

Remember, the above tips are meant as an adjunct to the instructions your dentist gives you. Their instructions take precedence because they are tailored specifically to your unique situation.

Need an Extraction?

If you have a problematic tooth and think you need an extraction, don't ignore it. Teeth don't self-heal, and your issue will only worsen. Call Gentle Dental of Pennsylvania at to arrange an appointment, and we'll answer any questions you have. We're among the best in the area, and we're sure you'll be happy with the dental procedures you receive in our office. You can't have a healthy body without a healthy mouth, and you can't have a healthy mouth if you have one or more teeth that need to be extracted.

Maintaining your good oral health is our only objective, call us today.

We look forward to speaking with you and working with you.