Extraction is more common than you may think
Even careful patients can face accidents or dental problems. According to the American Dental Association, extractions are usually needed because of crowding, dental disease or injury to the mouth and face.
The procedure is usually fairly simple. For a tooth that is visible above the gum line, the area is numbed and the tooth is removed with forceps. Broken or impacted teeth call for a more involved procedure.
Common reasons
- Infection. Extractions are often done to stop an infection, frequently caused by gum disease, when bacteria get below the gum line. Untreated, it can lead to receding gums, loose teeth and jawbone damage, and it is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Chronic dental infections can also cause inflammation, which has been linked to conditions such as cardiovascular disease and stroke.
- Crowded or impacted teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth do not have room to grow, and removing them can prevent pain and infection. Not every wisdom tooth needs to come out, but one that causes problems should. Partly erupted wisdom teeth are especially prone to cavities. Sometimes teeth are removed before braces to make room.
- Damage that restoration cannot fix. A crown or filling is normally the first choice. If the damage is too severe, a filling may leave the tooth at risk of shattering, the tooth may be too weak to hold a crown, and a root canal may not be possible. A tooth can only be treated so many times before little of it is left.
- Trauma. A sports injury, car accident or fall can damage a tooth so badly that restoration is not possible. Severely fractured teeth can be very loose.
A root canal is often enough to save a decayed tooth, but in rare cases the tooth is too far gone. See tooth extraction and wisdom teeth extraction for more.
After any dental injury, even a mild one, schedule a visit quickly. We can look for damage that is not obvious. You can reach us at (781) 289-3331.
Common questions
Do extractions hurt?
In most cases you receive anesthesia to stay comfortable. Some teeth that need to come out have even lost some of their nerve signals.
What should I tell the dentist before an extraction?
Extraction is generally safe, but there is a small risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream and of infection in the gum tissue. People at high risk of a serious infection may need antibiotics before and after. Tell us your full medical history and all medications and supplements, and especially mention congenital heart defects, artificial joints, damaged or man-made heart valves, a weakened immune system, liver disease or a history of bacterial endocarditis.
When should I call after an extraction?
Some swelling and light bleeding for 24 hours is normal. Call right away for severe pain, bleeding that lasts more than four hours, or signs of infection such as fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, redness, swelling or heavy discharge.
What is recovery like?
It usually takes a few days. Minor pain is not unusual and can usually be controlled with over-the-counter medication. Eat soft foods, avoid tobacco and use an ice pack.
What should I do afterward?
Take any medicines we prescribe as directed, and do not rinse or spit forcefully for 24 hours, so you do not dislodge the clot forming in the socket. Follow any other instructions we give you.