Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure to remove damaged, decayed, or problematic teeth. Many people find dental extractions scary, but modern dental techniques make the process safe, comfortable, and quick.
At Kirkland Dental Excellence, we ensure that every step of the procedure is smooth and pain-free. If you want to learn more about this dental treatment, read on to learn more.
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is the act of removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. You may need this treatment for reasons like:
- Severe tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Impacted teeth
- Overcrowding
- Infection or abscess
- Trauma or damage
When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Dentists only recommend extractions when other treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canals can’t save the tooth, and there is no other way. If you have the following problems, you need to extract your teeth:
- Persistent toothache that doesn’t respond to treatment.
- Swelling around a tooth.
- Loose teeth due to advanced gum disease.
- Crowding teeth.
- Teeth damaged by trauma.
- Decay beyond repair.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
Knowing what to expect during the procedure can help you go through it easier. Here are the tooth extraction procedure steps:
- First, our dentist reviews your medical history and asks about any medications you take or health conditions that may affect the procedure.
- Then, we take X-rays to assess your tooth’s position and surrounding bone and make a treatment plan.
- We numb the extraction site to prevent pain. For surgical extractions, we use additional sedation methods.
- For a simple extraction, we use special tools to loosen the tooth and remove it.
- For surgical extraction, we make an incision in your gum and remove bone around the tooth.
- Our dentist carefully cleans the empty socket and ensures the area is ready for healing.
- Next, we place a gauze pad over the extraction site to control bleeding.
- For surgical extractions, we use stitches to close the gum tissue.
- Before you leave, we give you tips on managing pain, controlling swelling, and avoiding complications.
How Long Does a Tooth Extraction Take to Heal?
Recovery after dental extraction depends on factors like the complexity of the procedure and your overall health. Let’s see the recovery time based on each type of extraction:
- 1 to 2 weeks for simple extraction.
- 3 to 4 weeks for surgical extraction.
- A month for wisdom tooth extraction recovery.
- 1 week for baby tooth extraction.
- 2 to 3 weeks for periodontal tooth extraction.
- 3 to 4 weeks for fragmented or root-only extractions.
Note: Don’t forget that experiencing swelling and mild bleeding the first night after tooth extraction is normal.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Proper aftercare helps you recover sooner and reduces complications. Let’s see do’s and don’ts after extraction:
Do’s
- Rest for the first 24-48 hours.
- Replace gauze to manage bleeding.
- Use ice compress to reduce swelling during the first 24 hours.
- Rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours.
- Try to have soft foods.
- Stay hydrated with water.
- Brush gently, avoiding the extraction site.
Don’ts
- Don’t use straws.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods.
- Don’t touch the site with your tongue or fingers.
- Try not to have hot drinks or alcohol.
- Don’t do exercise or hard activities for 48-72 hours.
- Don’t use aspirin as it may increase bleeding.
Smoking After Tooth Extraction
Don’t forget that Smoking delays your recovery by interfering with clot formation. It also increases the risk of dry socket, a painful condition where the clot dislodges. So, it is important to refrain from smoking for at least three days after extraction to protect your healing tissue.
What to Eat After Tooth Extraction?
Choosing the right foods after a tooth can promote healing and avoid any complications after the procedure. After extraction, you need to stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods. Let’s see what to eat:
- Apple sauce
- Mashed Potatoes
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Scrambled Eggs
- Lukewarm Broths
- Blended Soups
- Soft-Cooked Oatmeal
- Pudding or Custard
- Cottage Cheese
- Mashed Bananas
- Avocado
- Soft-Cooked Pasta
- Ice Cream
- Gelatin Desserts
How Long to Keep Gauze in After Tooth Extraction?
Keep the initial gauze pad in place for 30 to 45 minutes. If you continue bleeding, replace it with a clean pad and keep gentle pressure. If the bleeding persists beyond a few hours, come to our clinic immediately.
Tooth Extraction Cost
The cost of a tooth extraction depends on things like the location of the tooth, the complexity of the procedure, and insurance coverage. Front teeth are easier and less expensive to extract, while molars or impacted wisdom need surgery and cost more.
In case you need anesthesia or sedation, pre-extraction imaging, and any additional treatments like bone grafting, you should pay more.
Dental insurance may cover 80% of the expense for simple extractions, but coverage for surgical extractions may vary. If you want to learn the tooth extraction cost without insurance or with it, contact us at (425) 827-2003.
Tooth Extraction Near Me in Washington
If you’re looking for a reliable and compassionate dental team for extractions in Washington, we can help you. Our experienced dentists provide personalized care and ensure you get the best treatment. All you need to do is make an online appointment for free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people can return to regular activities within one to two days after a simple extraction.
You may experience swelling, mild pain, or slight bleeding, which typically resolves within a few days.
Stop using gauze within a few hours.
Apply gentle pressure on the socket for 30 to 45 minutes with a clean gauze pad.