A tooth extraction is the removal of a single or multiple teeth. It is typically a simple procedure.

Some teeth require a surgical extraction, particularly if they are impacted or broken. This procedure involves more preparation and may require a general anesthesia.

Some patients choose oral or IV sedation for their tooth extraction. This will make them drowsy, so they will need someone to drive them home after the procedure.

Numbing

A dentist injects a person with a local anesthetic near the surgical site to prevent pain. This numbness should last for a few hours after the procedure.

Next, the dentist expands the tooth socket with a tool called an elevator. This loosens the tooth and makes it easier to remove with a forceps. This is the only part of the process that can hurt, and it involves some pushing and pressure.

After the tooth is removed, the dentist or oral surgeon places a layer of gauze over the surgical site. It is important to bite down firmly and consistently on the gauze for 30 minutes to stop bleeding and promote clotting. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, call the office for instructions. The person may also receive a prescription for pain medication.

Anesthesia

Using anesthesia and sedation for tooth extraction ensures that patients feel minimal or no pain during the procedure. It also helps to reduce anxiety and fear, promoting a more positive patient experience.

Local anesthesia is injected into the surgical area and works within minutes to numb the area around the tooth. The effects can last several hours as different people metabolize the medication differently.

Sedation is offered to ease dental anxiety, allowing the dentist or oral surgeon to perform the procedure quickly and accurately. Without anesthesia, a patient may squirm or move around during the treatment, leading to increased discomfort and possibly delaying necessary dental care. Nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, is a common choice for sedation because it can be easily regulated and worn off as needed.

Incisions

When a tooth is too damaged to save, surgical extraction may be necessary. During this more involved procedure, the dentist cuts gum tissue and bones to extract the tooth in pieces. In addition, a surgical extraction may involve stitches to close the wound.

Stitches help to align the edges of the wound site, promoting faster healing. They also reduce bleeding and dead space in the socket by closing off blood vessels.

It’s important to follow your oral surgeon’s guidelines for post-surgery care to avoid disturbing the stitches. This includes avoiding crunchy or chewy foods that can put pressure on the wound, and rinsing gently with warm salt water.

Removal

Tooth extraction may be necessary to remove severely damaged or decaying teeth that cannot be saved, or to alleviate overcrowding or a misaligned bite. It can also be required to treat certain dental conditions, such as a painful infection or an impacted wisdom tooth.

After a tooth is removed, your dentist will place a piece of gauze on the socket to stop bleeding and encourage a blood clot to form. The clot will protect the site and promote healing, so it is important not to disturb it by rinsing, sucking or spitting vigorously.

Instead, rinse your mouth with salt water (half teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water) several times per day to help reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.

Recovery

For the first 24 hours, refrain from vigorous rinsing and spitting or drinking through a straw, as this can dislodge a blood clot that is forming to protect the tooth socket. You should also avoid smoking, as it inhibits healing.

Some pain, soreness, and swelling are normal for the first day or so. You can ease these symptoms by taking over-the-counter painkillers, as recommended by your dentist or oral surgeon.

You should eat a soft-food diet of yogurt, pudding, and other easy-to-digest foods for the first few days. As the healing process continues, you can slowly add in more solid foods. Rinse the mouth gently with salt water 3-4 times a day to prevent infection. Return to your dental office for a follow-up appointment to monitor healing.