Sometimes, removing a tooth is necessary to keep your mouth healthy. For example, if a baby tooth has long or unusual roots, it may not fall out on its own and will need to be removed to let the adult tooth grow in properly. In other cases, a tooth may have so much decay that it risks spreading to other teeth. When this happens, your dentist may suggest removing the tooth and replacing it with a bridge or dental implant.
Tooth removal can also be necessary for other reasons, like infection, orthodontic needs, wisdom teeth problems, and more. At Fusion Dental & Braces, we offer tooth extractions as part of our general dental service in Harker Heights, Bellmead, Killeen, and Waco, TX.
Tooth Extractions
When your dentist decides that a tooth should be removed, they may do it during a checkup or schedule a separate visit. Each tooth sits in a “socket” in your jawbone, held by a ligament. To remove the tooth, the dentist expands the socket and separates the tooth from the ligament.
Although this procedure is quick, it’s important to talk to your dentist if you have any concerns or would like sedation. We offer dental sedation for patients who need extra comfort.
After you remove a tooth, the nearby teeth might shift, which could make chewing or jaw movement harder. To prevent these issues, your dentist may suggest replacing the missing tooth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are molars located at the very back of your mouth. They typically come in during the late teens or early twenties. Sometimes, though, these teeth do not fully erupt because of limited space in the jaw or because they come in at an angle. Since the bone around wisdom teeth is less dense and their roots are usually not fully formed, removing them can often be easier, with a shorter healing time.
The most common type of impacted wisdom tooth is called “mesial,” meaning it angles toward the front of the mouth. You should remove an impacted wisdom tooth to avoid future issues. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause gum tenderness, swelling, and even pain. They are also harder to clean, making them more likely to develop decay, infections, or gum disease.
Each person’s situation is different, so your dentist will likely take a panoramic X-ray to see if your wisdom teeth need to come out. If they do, it’s often better to remove them sooner rather than later to prevent future problems.
To remove a wisdom tooth, the dentist first numbs the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Since an impacted tooth might be under the gums and jawbone, your dentist may need to take away a small part of the bone to reach the tooth.
To make removal easier and to minimize bone removal, your dentist may “section” the tooth. This means they will divide the tooth into smaller parts and remove each piece through a small opening in the bone.
Healing After Tooth Removal
After wisdom teeth or other teeth are removed, the healing process starts. Healing time can vary depending on how complicated the extraction was. Your dentist will give you instructions to make healing as smooth as possible, along with what to expect over the next few days.
If you’re noticing any discomfort or have questions about the healing process, Fusion Dental & Braces is here to help. With proper care, your mouth will be on the path to healthy healing in no time.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Tooth extraction is sometimes necessary to maintain oral health. Read the answers to these common patient questions to learn more.
Is tooth extraction painful?
Tooth extraction is typically performed under local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, so you should not feel any pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure or some discomfort as the tooth is loosened. After the extraction, mild pain, swelling, or bleeding is common but can be managed with pain medications, ice packs, and following post-surgery instructions.
What should I expect after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding at the extraction site. This is normal and typically improves within a few days. We will provide instructions on how to care for the extraction site, such as using ice packs, taking prescribed pain relievers, and avoiding certain foods. Full recovery can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
What can I eat after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, it’s important to stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, scrambled eggs, and smoothies for the first few days. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods, as they irritate the extraction site. You should also avoid using a straw, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket.
How do I manage pain after a tooth extraction?
Pain after a tooth extraction is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or the prescribed medications your dentist gives you. Applying an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce swelling and discomfort. It’s important to follow post-extraction care instructions to prevent complications and minimize pain.
How long will it take for the extraction site to heal?
The initial healing of the gum tissue can take 1 to 2 weeks, but the bone underneath may take several months to fully heal. The formation of a blood clot in the socket is crucial for proper healing, and it may take a few days for this clot to form. If you experience prolonged pain or discomfort, it is important to follow up with your dentist for further evaluation.
How can I tell if my extraction site is healing properly?
A properly healing extraction site should gradually reduce in swelling and discomfort, and you should notice the gum tissue beginning to close over the socket. If you experience prolonged or severe pain, unusual swelling, or signs of infection like fever or pus, contact us immediately. Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor your healing progress.