Although the treatment of last resort, there are certain situations where tooth extraction is deemed necessary. Elevate Dental Implant Center offers surgical tooth extraction when needed, frequently due to advanced decay or damage. Tooth extraction is one of our dental surgical procedures that may be a part of your treatment plan to restore your smile, a necessary step before the placement of a dental implant.
Tooth Extraction: About the Process
Tooth extraction is a relatively simple procedure performed using a local anesthetic or dental sedation. Your comfort and safety during the procedure are our highest priority, and we will discuss options for using sedation if needed or desired. Once you are relaxed in the chair and feeling numb, the dentist will release the small ligaments on either side of the tooth being removed.
Using a slow, gentle motion, the tooth will be rocked back and forth until it slides from the socket. We want to minimize swelling and discomfort and will place sterile gauze in the open socket immediately to help a clot form.
To ensure a speedy recovery, we will provide information on caring for your mouth after the extraction. This often includes rinsing with warm water, a soft diet for a day or two, and changing the gauze to prevent infection.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
How long does a surgical tooth extraction take?
In general, a surgical tooth extraction takes around 20-45 minutes. This includes numbing the area, extracting the tooth, and treating the patient after. The physical extraction takes between 5-15 minutes.
What is the hardest tooth to extract?
The hardest tooth to extract is the lower back teeth. These teeth are hard to extract because of their positioning as well as their nerve endings. Dentists need to work slightly more at numbing the area when extracting back teeth to ensure their patient is not in pain.
What can I do after a tooth extraction?
After tooth extraction, patients should rest. 24 hours after the procedure patients should rinse with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a glass of warm water. They will help remove any inflammation and soothe the area. Patients should also avoid drinking through a straw for a few days after an extraction. The best thing to eat is soft foods such as yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, soup, etc.
If you experience sudden or throbbing pain or a recurrence of substantial bleeding, please contact our office as soon as possible.