As a general dentist office, one of the most common procedures we perform is teeth extractions. Removing a tooth is sometimes crucial to maintain oral health especially if you have tooth decay, overcrowding, or impacted wisdom teeth. Horizon Family Dental Care will assess your tooth to determine if they need to perform a tooth extraction in Baltimore, MD.
A tooth extraction is a general dentistry procedure that involves removing the whole tooth from its socket in the jawbone. We consider it a routine general dentistry treatment. However, for some patients, it can be a complex procedure.
Types of Teeth Extractions
There are two main types of teeth extractions. We will assess your tooth and oral health to determine the type of removal you will need. The two types of teeth extractions are:
- Simple Extractions: These involve removing a tooth that is all the way out and visible in the mouth. A simple extraction is an easy and straightforward procedure that we can perform under local anesthesia.
- Complex Extractions: These are more involved and may require surgical intervention. Complex extractions are necessary if you have an impacted tooth (partially or fully covered by gum tissue or bone), or when the tooth is broken or decayed below the gum line.
What are Simple Extractions?
We typically recommend a simple extraction when a tooth is severely decayed, damaged, or overcrowded. When the tooth is so far beyond repair and we are unable to save it.
A simple tooth extraction is a routine general dentistry procedure that we perform with local anesthesia. This injection will ensure the area round the tooth is numb so we can remove the tooth without pain. This ensures that you will have a pain-free experience with minimal discomfort.
During a simple extraction, your dentist will use special dental instruments to gently loosen and remove the tooth from its socket. The procedure is typically quick, and the recovery time is relatively short compared to complex extractions.
Understanding Complex Extractions
You may need a complex tooth extraction if your tooth is impacted. An impaction is when the tooth is partially or fully covered by gum tissue or bone.
A complex extraction involves more steps and may require oral surgery. Sometimes, we may have to section the tooth, and remove it in small pieces. If there is bone in the way, we may need to reshape it to get the tooth out.
We will perform a complex extraction under local anesthesia. However, we can provide you with dental sedation to ensure your comfort during a complex tooth extraction.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth.
Why Do Many People Remove Them?
Many dentists suggest removing wisdom teeth because they cause many problems. In most cases, these teeth simply do not have enough space to erupt. This lack of space in the mouth leads to crowding, pain, or infection.
In other cases, the wisdom teeth come in at odd angles. These angled wisdom teeth can damage nearby teeth or lead to gum disease. Since a majority of us do not need these teeth for chewing, it is now common to remove them before they lead to issues. Choosing to remove your wisdom teeth will help you avoid many likely dental problems in the future.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
This is a common dental procedure, especially for teenagers and young adults. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
First, we will take X-rays to understand the position of your wisdom teeth. This will help determine if you will need simple or complex extraction. Our dental team will administer anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
During the procedure, your dentist may or may not make a small incision in your gum to access the tooth. They’ll gently remove the wisdom teeth and stitch up the gums if necessary. We will clean up the area and place gauze over the open wound.
After your dentist extracts your wisdom teeth, you will need to rest. You will likely have some swelling and discomfort. We will supply you with pain medication if you need it, and care instructions. You must follow these instructions to promote proper healing and prevent problems.
One of the most common types of complex extractions is the removal of wisdom teeth, also known as third molars. Wisdom teeth often become impacted due to lack of space in the jaw, causing pain, swelling, and other complications.
Tooth Extraction FAQS
Why do I need a tooth extraction?
Tooth extractions are performed for various reasons. Some of the top reasons we suggest extractions include:
- Severe Decay or Damage
- Orthodontic Needs
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- Gum Disease
Your dentist will assess the tooth to determine the best treatment. They will only use extraction as a last resort.
What should I expect during a tooth extraction?
Before the extraction, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This may involve a small injection, which can feel like a brief pinch. Once the area is numb, the dentist will carefully remove the tooth. You may feel pressure during the extraction, but there should be minimal discomfort.
After the tooth is removed, the dentist will clean the socket and may place gauze to control bleeding. Following the procedure, you will receive specific aftercare instructions to promote healing.
What are the different types of tooth extractions?
Tooth extractions can be categorized into two main types, each with different approaches: simple and surgical. A simple extraction is performed on teeth that are visible above the gum line. The dentist uses specialized tools to loosen and remove the tooth without the need for surgical intervention.
Surgical extractions are necessary for teeth that are not fully erupted or are impacted. This procedure may involve incisions in the gum tissue and is typically more complex than a simple extraction.
What can I expect after a tooth extraction?
Post-extraction care is crucial for a smooth recovery. After the procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any pain. For the first few days, it’s advisable to stick to soft foods and avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy items that could irritate the extraction site.
Maintaining oral hygiene is essential, but be gentle around the extraction site. Rinsing with warm salt water can help keep the area clean.
How long is the recovery after an extraction?
Recovery time can vary based on several factors, including the type of extraction and individual healing rates. After a simple extraction, most patients can expect to return to normal activities within a few days.
Recovery from surgical extractions may take longer, often requiring a week or more for complete healing. Your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor healing and address concerns.
Can I drive myself home after having a tooth pulled?
Whether you can drive yourself home after a tooth extraction depends on the type of anesthesia used. If you use local anesthesia, you should be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
If you use sedation, we will suggest that you have someone accompany you to drive you home. Dental sedation can impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely.
What are the signs of complications?
While most tooth extractions heal without issues, being aware of potential complications is essential. Signs of infection may include increased pain, swelling, fever, or drainage from the extraction site. If you experience these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately.
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges, exposing the bone. Symptoms include severe pain and a foul taste in the mouth. This condition requires prompt treatment.
How do I care for my mouth after a tooth extraction?
Proper aftercare is vital for a smooth recovery. Using straws can create suction that may dislodge the blood clot, leading to complications. It’s best to avoid them for at least a few days post-extraction.
After 24 hours, you can begin rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean. Always adhere to the specific aftercare instructions provided by your dentist to ensure optimal healing.
Teeth extractions are a vital general dentistry treatment we offer. If you need a tooth extraction in Baltimore, MD, please contact your dentist and they will assess the tooth to determine the best procedure for you.