An extraction is the removal of a tooth from a person’s mouth. Dentists most commonly perform tooth extractions when they are necessary because of decay, periodontal disease, or crowding in the mouth. In some cases, removing wisdom teeth may also be recommended, especially if there isn’t enough room for them in your mouthline.

Before you get your tooth removed, your dentist will make sure that you are numbed properly, so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. The dentist will then use forceps to remove the tooth. If the tooth has a lot of tissue attached to it, the dentist may use elevators to remove it as well. Afterward, they will usually suture the site closed with dissolving stitches. You will be given aftercare instructions to follow to ensure your mouth heals properly. It’s important to follow these instructions and follow up regularly with your dental care provider to make sure you are healing correctly.

How Is a Tooth Extracted?

Before your tooth is extracted, our dentist will numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. During the procedure, you will feel the pressure of the tooth being removed but should not feel any pain. After your tooth is removed, you may need stitches, and you will receive aftercare instructions. We recommend you eat soft foods and avoid hot beverages until you are healed.

Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. This should subside within two days. If your symptoms persist longer than that, call us right away for a follow-up appointment.

What Is the Surgical Tooth Extraction?

A surgical extraction removes teeth that cannot be removed with nonsurgical methods. This may be because the tooth has broken off at the gum line or because an infection has developed in the bone around the roots of the tooth. During your consultation, our dentist will assess your condition to determine if you need a surgical tooth extraction. If so, he will refer you to an oral surgeon who will perform the procedure.

What Happens After an Extraction Procedure?

After the procedure is finished, you may have some bleeding from the extraction site. If clotting doesn’t occur within about 15 minutes, you can bite down on a soft gauze pad to apply pressure and slow the bleeding. You can continue with your normal activities that day. Your dentist will advise you on what to do if you have heavy bleeding or continuous bleeding after the first day. You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for the first few days after the surgery to prevent dry sockets and other complications.

To find out more about the dental services offered at Summit Family Dental Care, call (541) 779-2634 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 1420 E. McAndrews Rd, Medford, OR 97504.