As dentists, we do all we can to save your teeth when they have been compromised by bacteria. Whether with a filling or a root canal therapy, there are many ways to restore and preserve a tooth. In some cases, however, infection has migrated to the gum tissue or cannot be removed from the tooth. Sometimes a tooth has been cracked or broken beyond repair. In these cases, the only way to prevent a painful abscess and the potential for systemic infection is by extracting the tooth.
Extractions may also be needed when gum tissue has been damaged by gum disease. Just like a tree cannot stand when the soil has eroded from its roots, a tooth is not sustainable if the gum tissue supporting it has been destroyed.
Many patients take the word “extraction” hard, but the process is very common, and usually goes very fast. The best part is that there are many ways to replace lost teeth, and we will always explain your options fully, so you can make an informed decision.
How an Extraction Works
There are two types of extraction. A simple extraction removes a tooth that is fully erupted and usually in one piece. These types of extractions are often needed when an infection has developed below the tooth or a root canal has failed and cannot be fixed. More complex extractions may be needed if a tooth is not yet erupted (such as with wisdom teeth) or has broken into more than one piece. Complex extractions are usually performed by an oral surgeon, as it may be necessary to cut and suture the gum tissue to remove all the pieces of the tooth.
In most cases of a single tooth requiring extraction, Dr. Matthew Bridges will perform the procedure in his office using a local anesthetic. This process usually only takes a couple of minutes and causes little, if any, sensitivity.
Step 1: Numb the Area – Dr. Bridges will inject an anesthetic to ensure you feel no painful sensations during the extraction. He will not proceed with the process until you both are satisfied that the anesthetic has taken effect.
Step 2: Loosen the Tooth – Using a device called an elevator, Dr. Bridges will loosen the tooth from the dental ligaments in the socket. A pair of extraction forceps allows him to move the tooth back and forth until it is loose enough to come out easily.
Step 3: Removing the Tooth – At this point the tooth has been loosened so well that you will not feel any strong pressure when the tooth comes out. You may hear a sound indicating the tooth has “left the building,” however.
Step 4: Caring for the Socket – Dr. Bridges will examine the tooth to make sure it has come out in one piece, and will then apply a gauze pad to stanch any bleeding that occurs. Some patients do not bleed very much, while others may need to be watched for a short period to make sure the blood clots.
After the extraction, you will be given additional gauze to use if you experience any bleeding after you leave the office. Bite down on the gauze at ten-minute intervals to allow a clot to form. Do not suck through a straw or smoke cigarettes, as this may interfere with the blood clotting process. If you still have bleeding several hours after the extraction, call our office at 580-255-4880 and let us know.
What You Can Expect after the Extraction
After the extraction, you should not expect much sensitivity from the socket. Any pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, such as Advil or Tylenol. In fact, if the tooth was causing you pain, you will be relieved that it has now come to an end!
Take care to avoid irritating the gum tissue for the next couple of days. You may brush your teeth as usual, but take care not to brush the gum tissue at the site of the extraction.
The Good News!
Now that your problem tooth has been extracted, the good news is that now you can look into tooth replacement options. Generally speaking, there are two ways to replace a single missing tooth, a dental bridge or a dental implant. Set up an appointment with Dr. Bridges to discuss tooth replacement and we will explain the benefits of each option.
What’s important is that you do, indeed, replace your missing tooth in a timely fashion. Why? Leaving a gap in your teeth can cause your other teeth to shift out of their proper alignment. This may make them more vulnerable to cracking and breaking and increases the odds that you will lose more teeth in the future. It can also lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which can cause painful symptoms, such as headaches and jaw pain.
