Your dental team’s personal instructions come first. Use this guide to help you prepare and care for your smile at home.
About this treatment
What is an extraction of an erupted tooth?
Extraction of an erupted tooth refers to the removal of a tooth that has fully emerged from the gum tissue. This procedure involves loosening the tooth from its socket in the jawbone using specialized instruments and then carefully pulling it out.
When do we do erupted teeth extractions?
- Severe Decay: When a tooth is extensively decayed and cannot be restored with a filling or crown, extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth.
- Damage: Teeth that are fractured, cracked, or otherwise damaged beyond repair may need to be extracted to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Sometimes, teeth may need to be extracted as part of orthodontic treatment to create space for proper alignment of the remaining teeth.
- Periodontal Disease: In advanced cases of gum disease, extraction of severely affected teeth may be recommended to preserve overall oral health.
How do I know if I need an erupted tooth extracted?
You may need an erupted tooth extracted if you experience severe or persistent toothache, visible damage like cracks or fractures, gum infection indicated by swelling or pus, mobility of the tooth, or if the tooth is extensively decayed beyond repair. If you notice any of these signs it's crucial to seek evaluation and guidance from your dentist to determine if extraction is necessary for your oral health.
General Procedure
The extraction of an erupted tooth involves several steps. The area around the tooth is numbed with local anesthetic to ensure a painless procedure. Next, the dentist loosens the tooth from its socket using specialized instruments to gently and safely remove it. After extraction, gauze may be placed over the extraction site to control bleeding, and stitches may be used if necessary.
Before your appointment
- Ensure your oral hygiene is top-notch by brushing and flossing. This will help with reducing bacteria and discomfort during the procedure.
- Follow the dental team's instructions about eating and drinking before your appointment, particularly if sedation or anesthesia is planned.
- If you feel nervous, dress comfortably. You are welcome to bring along a supportive companion who can also assist with transportation if needed.
- Prioritize discussing any concerns with the Ironwood Dental team beforehand for reassurance.
- Practice relaxation techniques to stay calm and remember that Ironwood Dental's experts are here to alleviate your discomfort and preserve your dental health effectively.
- Ensure that you have taken any antibiotics prescribed to you before the appointment as instructed by the dentist.
How long will the appointment be?
The duration of an erupted tooth extraction can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the extraction, the location of the tooth, and the individual patient's anatomy. In general, a straightforward extraction of a single erupted tooth typically takes around 40 minutes to an hour.
What will the procedure look like?
- Anesthesia: The dentist administers local anesthetic where needed to numb the area around the tooth. Conscious sedation or general anesthesia may be used for complex extractions or anxious patients.
- Exposure of the Tooth: Specialized instruments gently lift the gum tissue to expose the tooth and its roots for better access.
- Loosening and Extraction: Using elevators and forceps, the dentist loosens the tooth from its socket, possibly dividing it into smaller sections for removal. There may be pressure but no pain due to the anesthesia.
- Cleaning the Site: After extraction, the dentist cleans the site to remove debris and infection, smoothing the surrounding bone if needed.
- Bleeding Control: Pressure is applied to the extraction site with gauze, and dissolvable stitches may be used to close the gum tissue if necessary.
- X-rays: In some cases an x-ray will be taken throughout the procedure to better visualize the tooth as or after to ensure that the entirety of the tooth was removed.
Will it hurt?
Extraction of erupted teeth shouldn't be painful as your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area. They may also offer sedation options for comfort during the procedure. Afterwards, you may experience some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, but following post-extraction care instructions can help minimize pain and promote healing.
After-care & recovery
Emergency
If you have any concerns, call the office at (519)763-1488. Your treatment is not complete until you are comfortable and healing is well established.
Activity
For the first 48 hours you should rest and relax with no physical activity. After 48 hours, you may resume activity as tolerated.
Bleeding
Bite firmly on a piece of gauze for at least 1 hour. Try not to change the gauze too often, as it can act like a sponge and start pulling more blood out. If bleeding persists and does not improve, soak a tea bag in luke-warm water and apply it to the extraction site with pressure for 1 hour. This should help reduce the bleeding.
Pain
Pain may increase for 2-3 days following surgery, but you should see improvement after a week.
Medication
Use medications only as directed by your dentist or the product instructions. Prescribed narcotic pain medicines can make you drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking them.
If prescribed antibiotics, you must complete the full course.
Swelling
Swelling may increase for the first 2-3 days. You may apply ice packs to the area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off after the surgery to help decrease swelling. You should start to see improvement in about 1 week.
Smoking
Avoid smoking for 3-5 days following surgery. The chemicals can irritate the area, and the suction created from smoking can disrupt the blood clot from the area, which can lead to severe pain and infection.
Spitting
Avoid spitting for at least 3-5 days. Spitting creates suction that can disrupt the blood clot from the area, which can lead to severe pain and infection. Gently rinse with water and allow fluids to fall from the mouth without pressure.
Diet
A soft diet is recommended for the first few days following surgery, such as soup, scrambled eggs, soft pasta etc. Avoid any seeds, nuts, popcorn, rice, etc. that may become lodged in the extraction site. You can return to a normal diet once you feel comfortable chewing again.
Fluids
Avoid drinking through a straw for the first few days following surgery as this can disrupt the blood clot from the area. You may drink water, or flat ginger ale. Avoid very hot drinks until the day after surgery.
Rinsing
Do not to rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours following surgery. After 24 hours, you may gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water 2-3 times daily for 2 weeks to help with healing. Do not spit when rinsing for the first 3-5 days (see previous instructions)
Oral Hygiene
You can brush and floss as usual, but make sure to be gentle around the treated area. Take care by brushing, flossing, coming in for regular checkups and cleanings
Common questions
Will my insurance cover this?
Dental insurance plans can vary in coverage, deductibles, and limitations. Some plans may cover part or all of the cost, while others may not. A dental estimate will be submitted to your insurance company/companies prior to treatment to confirm the covered amount and determine any out-of-pocket expense prior to your appointment.
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