Tooth Extraction

Your dentist may deem it necessary to extract (or “pull”) a tooth for a variety of reasons. Teeth are extracted due to severe decay, advanced periodontal disease and irreparable breakage for example. In other instances, teeth may need to be extracted because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (impacted wisdom teeth for example) or in preparation for certain orthodontic treatments.

When it becomes necessary to extract a tooth, local anesthetic is applied and your mouth will be numbed so that during the extraction, all you will feel is some pressure as the tooth is being removed. At times it may be necessary for your dentist to cut the tooth prior to removing it if the tooth is anchored particularly deep or is curved. Not to worry however, as the amount of numbing agent applied will be more than enough to keep this a painless procedure.

After a tooth extraction, some bleeding can be expected. By simply biting down on a wad of gauze placed over the tooth socket for about 30-40 minutes after the procedure, the bleeding will stop. It is very important that you follow your dentist’s after care instructions in order to promote fast healing and avoid any problems within the empty socket. Pain relief medications will be provided if necessary, or those you have at home may take care of any lingering pain. In certain cases, the possibility of a bone graft to fill in the socket should be discussed with your dentist in order to prepare for an implant to be placed at a later date.

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