Broken teeth that cannot be repaired are also a cause for removal. Other teeth may need extraction because they are not ideally positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

Removing a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability and your jaw joint. It can also result in shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health. To avoid these dental conditions, Dr. Klasinski will likely discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

The Extraction Process

To start the extraction process, the doctor will numb your tooth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic. You will feel a lot of pressure during the extraction process. This is caused by the rocking of the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.  You will not feel pain, however, as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves to stop the transference of pain. The nerves that transmit pressure, however, are not greatly affected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction, immediately alert us.

Sectioning a tooth

Sectioning a tooth is a common procedure that is done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or if the root is curved and the socket can not be expanded enough to remove it. The extract the tooth, the doctor will cut the tooth into sections then remove each piece one at a time.

After Tooth Extraction

After a tooth is extracted, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and then begin the healing process. You will be asked to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing continues, place another gauze pad and bite down firmly for another 30 minutes. This may have to occur several times to stop the blood flow.

Once the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge this clot. Avoid rinsing vigorously, sucking on straws, smoking, drinking alcohol or brushing teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These types of activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and slow the healing process. Also, limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours. It increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted it is normal to feel some pain and experience slight swelling. Use an ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn and apply it to the area to keep swelling to a minimum. Please take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling typically subsides after 48 hours.

Please call our office if the medication does not seem to be working. If you have been prescribed antibiotics, continue taking them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are no longer present. Remember to drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as it feels comfortable for you to do so. It is also important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours such as brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. Keeping your teeth clean will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you should feel normal and can resume normal activities. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, please call our office immediately.