Procedures
Tooth Extractions
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure performed to remove a tooth that is damaged, decayed, or causing problems like infection or overcrowding.
While the idea of having a tooth removed might sound intimidating, it’s often the best solution for maintaining your overall oral health.
Whether you are dealing with severe decay, preparing for orthodontic treatment, or addressing an impacted tooth, understanding the process and recovery can help ease any concerns you may have.
AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons offers tooth extraction in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low and Tempe, AZ.
Key Takeaway
A tooth extraction is a procedure to remove a problematic tooth, either due to damage, decay, infection, or overcrowding. There are two types of extractions: simple, for teeth that are visible and easily accessible, and surgical, for teeth that are impacted or not fully erupted.
Reasons for Pulling Teeth
Tooth extractions are sometimes essential for maintaining oral health and addressing specific dental issues.
Here are the most common scenarios where removing a tooth is necessary:
1. Advanced Tooth Decay
Severe tooth decay can destroy a significant portion of a tooth, making it beyond repair with treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canals.
When the decay reaches the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), it can cause extreme pain and infection.
In such cases, extraction may be the best option to stop the spread of infection and protect nearby teeth and gums.
2. Crowded Teeth
Overcrowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for all the teeth.
This can make proper cleaning difficult and lead to alignment issues. Tooth extraction is often recommended as part of orthodontic treatment to create space for straighter teeth and a more balanced bite.
Children may also need baby teeth extracted to make room for permanent teeth.
3. Infection
Severe tooth decay or infection can damage the tooth root and surrounding tissues and lead to an abscess.
An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by infection at the root of the tooth or surrounding area. If antibiotics or root canal treatment cannot control the infection, extraction may be the only way to prevent the condition from worsening and affecting other areas, such as the jawbone or bloodstream.
4. Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition in which the gums and soft tissues around the teeth become inflamed and infected.
Severe gum disease can weaken the tissues and bones that support teeth, leading to tooth mobility or loss. If periodontal disease is advanced and has caused significant bone loss, removing the affected tooth may be required to stop the infection and improve overall oral health.
Extraction also helps create a healthier environment for adjacent teeth and gums.
5. Tooth Impaction
An impacted tooth is a tooth that has become trapped or stuck in the jawbone and cannot fully erupt into the mouth.
It can happen for several reasons, including overcrowding or unusual growth patterns in the jaw bone. Tooth sectioning is a procedure used to remove an impacted tooth. It involves cutting the tooth into smaller pieces so it can be removed more easily.
The symptoms of an impacted tooth typically include pain, swelling, and inflammation in the affected area. Surgical extraction is often necessary to prevent these complications and maintain a healthy dental arch.
The Procedure
The procedure for having a tooth extracted typically involves making an incision in the gums and removing the tooth from the jawbone. There are two types of procedures:
A simple extraction involves:
- Numbing: Local anesthesia numbs the area.
- Loosening: A tool called an elevator or extraction forceps is used to loosen the tooth from its socket.
- Removal: Forceps are used to extract the tooth.
Surgical extraction (Eg. wisdom tooth removal) is more complex and may involve:
- Preparation: Local anesthesia and dental sedation are used.
- Incision: Gums are cut to expose the tooth root and surrounding bone.
- Bone removal and sectioning: Bone is removed around the tooth and the tooth is cut into pieces.
- Removal: The tooth is taken out in pieces.
Closure: Stitches are placed to close the site.
Local Anesthesia or Sedation
There are generally three main options when it comes to managing pain during a tooth extraction: local anesthesia, nitrous oxide with local anesthesia, or IV sedation.
- Local anesthesia: The area is numbed, and you remain awake. You will feel the dental injections, but you should not feel any pain during the procedure, only some pressure.
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): It induces an altered consciousness to help you relax and feel more at ease while staying awake. You will still be numbed with local anesthesia for the procedure.
- IV sedation or general anesthesia: Most patients prefer IV sedation for tooth extraction. You can undergo IV conscious sedation, which is light sedation, or general anesthesia, which puts you totally asleep for the procedure.
The right option for you will depend on how complex the extraction will be. Discuss the options with your oral surgeon to find the right choice for you.
Post-Surgery Care
Recovery generally takes a few days.Follow these instructions to reduce discomfort, lower the risk of infection, and speed up the healing process after a dental extraction:
- Bite down on a gauze pad with steady pressure on the extraction site to help stop bleeding. Replace the piece of gauze every 45-60 minutes until the bleeding subsides.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers or any prescription medications provided. If you experience severe pain that is not relieved by pain medication, contact our office.
- You may experience some swelling or bruising in the days after your tooth extraction. Apply an ice pack or cold compress for 15-minute intervals to the affected area to help reduce swelling and pain.
- After 24 hours, rinse the area with warm salt water twice daily to keep the area clean.
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, participating in intense physical activity, and consuming excessive amounts of caffeine or sugar.
- Do not drink through a straw for the first 24 hours. This can cause a painful condition called dry socket. Dry socket happens when the blood clot in the tooth socket becomes dislodged.
- Start with liquids or soft foods like soup, yogurt, or ice cream, and slowly reintroduce solid foods. Avoid chewy and crunchy foods like carrots, seeds, nuts, and popcorn. When chewing is possible, slowly introduce solid foods.
Download our printable PDF for a list of foods to eat after a tooth extraction.
Stitches
After a tooth extraction, your surgeon may place stitches to close the wound, reduce bleeding, and aid healing.
The stitches will dissolve on their own within two weeks.
Avoid activities that could dislodge stitches, such as eating hard or sticky foods. Follow all post-operative instructions provided by your oral surgeon.
Risks of Tooth Extraction
Although it is a safe and common procedure, there is a risk of complications involved when you have a tooth extracted. Some risks include
- Damage to the surrounding teeth and gums
- Infection
- Nerve damage to the affected area
- Sinus opening in the upper back teeth
- Complications with anesthesia
- Damage to adjacent teeth
You can minimize risks after dental procedures by following the post-surgery treatment plan, maintaining good dental hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments.
AZ Max Oral Surgeons: Your Partners in Oral Health
At AZ Max, our skilled oral surgeons use the most advanced technology and techniques to perform safe, successful extractions.
Whether you need a surgical tooth extraction or a more complex treatment like a bone graft, we will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low or Tempe, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.
