Tooth extractions are a common procedure that can restore various issues with a patient’s smile. Not only can it help with decayed teeth, but it can also restore cracked, chipped, and otherwise damaged teeth. If you need a tooth extraction and have concerns about the process, our team can help answer any questions about the procedure. Check out the answers to some of the most common questions our oral surgeon gets about tooth extractions.
An oral surgeon will only perform a tooth extraction if there is no way to save the tooth otherwise. To determine this, they will first consider whether a dental restoration (such as a dental crown) would be a better option. If not, it is necessary to pull the tooth and replace it to prevent further damage to the mouth and jaw.
For example, tooth extraction is the only option for dental injuries like deep tooth fractures and those that impact underlying bone or other supporting structures of the tooth. Similarly, a tooth extraction is the solution for severe gum disease and tooth decay (cavities) when root canal therapy is not an option. An oral surgeon may also recommend this treatment method for crowded or impacted teeth.
A tooth extraction involves several steps. The first will be to numb the area (gum tissue included) to reduce patient discomfort. From there, the oral surgeon will start to loosen the tooth, removing it from its socket without causing further damage. It may be necessary to make small incisions in the gums, such as if the tooth is fractured beneath the gum line. Next, they will clean, disinfect, and seal the extraction site.
Some patients may require a dental bone graft to prevent jawbone loss. The oral surgeon can place this during the tooth extraction after pulling the tooth.
Having a tooth pulled should not hurt, as the oral surgeon will first numb the extraction site with local anesthesia. It is common to feel pressure and pulling sensations during the procedure. While these sensations may feel strange, pain and discomfort should be minimal.
Recovery time will depend on the patient and what type of extraction they had. An extraction may be surgical (requiring incisions into the tissue) or simple (no incisions required). Simple extractions will take somewhere between one and three weeks to heal, while surgical extractions could take up to six weeks to heal. That said, patients should feel good enough to return to regular activities in only a few days after the extraction.
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A tooth extraction is an effective way to restore a patient’s smile after severe decay or damage. If you would like to learn more about the procedure and whether it may benefit you, call our South Miami team today. We can answer your questions and set up an appointment with an oral surgeon.
Request an appointment or call Ecker Oral Surgery at 305-404-5447 for an appointment in our South Miami office.
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