When many people think of a trip to the dentist, their mind jumps to the worst possible outcome. They imagine scheduling a routine teeth cleaning or checkup, only to be told that they have multiple cavities, that they aren’t flossing enough (the truth is that most people aren’t), and maybe even being told they need to be scheduled for a dreaded root canal. While many people will visit the dentist and have a very run-of-the-mill and uneventful teeth cleaning (you can make sure you’re in this category by taking care of your teeth regularly at home), the truth of the matter is that most people will need to have at least one dental procedure performed in their lifetime—and that’s nothing to worry about!

Whether you need a new filling, a trip to the orthodontist, or are looking at getting dentures or implants, these are all things that can improve your quality of life and improve your smile. With the marvels of modern dentistry, many problems that people simply had to live with in the past—whether that meant enduring pain or unsightly dental problems—can be fixed and your teeth can be restored. While it can be a nerve-wracking process to think about your impending dental procedure, you’ll come out of the other side of the process with a stronger, healthier, and more confident smile.

One of the common types of dental procedures that we perform at G Dental 32 is a tooth extraction. When a tooth becomes infected, it is most often treated by performing a root canal to heal the infected root of the bothersome tooth. Sometimes, though, due to physical trauma to the tooth or a prolonged infection that isn’t treated promptly, a tooth may need to be completely extracted in order for healing to begin. If you’ve recently heard from your dentist that a tooth extraction may be in order, or if you’re simply wondering about the details of this common dental procedure, read on for all the details explaining just exactly what a tooth extraction looks like.

Why a tooth extraction?

As previously mentioned, there are many reasons why a tooth extraction may be necessary. Not every person is the same, and if you’re looking at needing a tooth extraction, your needs may vary, but there are typically a few different reasons tooth extractions may be necessary.

One of the most common types of tooth extractions that many people get is wisdom teeth extraction. Wisdom teeth are your back molars, and typically the last adult teeth that grow in. Most people have four wisdom teeth that are located in the back corners of the jaw, on top and bottom. While not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth extracted, many people do. This is because, for most people, there is not enough room in the jaw for wisdom teeth to grow in. This can cause both pain and disruption to your other teeth.

In addition to wisdom teeth extraction, there are some additional reasons a tooth extraction may be necessary. Tooth decay, tooth infection, and tooth overcrowding can all make a tooth extraction a necessity. If you are going to get braces, there is a potential need for a tooth extraction, too, as this allows for more room as your teeth shift while you wear your braces. Another final reason that some people may end up in need of a tooth extraction is if a person is undergoing chemotherapy or going to have an organ transplant. In both of these instances, a tooth extraction may be necessary due to the decay of teeth from the medications and procedures used during treatments.

What happens during a tooth extraction?

There are two types of tooth extractions, and the type you will need depends on which teeth are being extracted and where they are located in your mouth. If your tooth is visible and has already fully grown in, meaning it is visible above the gum line, then you will likely need a simple extraction. If your tooth is impacted, like wisdom teeth often are, then you will need a surgical extraction.

For a simple extraction, patients typically receive a local anesthetic to numb the area all around the tooth that will be extracted. This will prevent you from feeling pain and discomfort during the extraction. Once the local anesthetic has been put in place and is working, your dentist will then loosen the tooth and remove it from your jaw.

For a surgical extraction, you may receive more than one type of anesthetic. Some surgical extractions are done under local anesthetic, though it is more typical for surgical extractions to be done under intravenous anesthesia or general anesthesia. Both of these types of anesthesia are administered intravenously, and with general anesthesia, you will be unconscious during the entire extraction. Once your anesthetic has been administered, the dentist will cut into your gum where the tooth is impacted, and remove the tooth. Sometimes it’s even necessary to remove small bits of the jawbone around the impacted tooth in order to access and extract the tooth.

What is recovery like after a tooth extraction?

After your tooth is extracted, recovery will often take several days. The different steps and medications needed after a tooth extraction can vary slightly depending on the type of extraction performed, but largely rely on the same methods. The dentist will usually place gauze over the site of the tooth extraction after the procedure, and biting down on this gauze will help to stop any bleeding. You may also be prescribed pain medication and/or antibiotics to prevent the extraction site from becoming infected and to keep you comfortable as you recover. For the first day or two, you will likely only be able to eat very soft foods or only drink liquids. It’s generally recommended to avoid drinking through a straw as this can cause problems with the blood clots that form where your tooth was extracted.

While you might experience some general pain and discomfort after your tooth extraction, the good news is that is typically short-lived. Most people feel generally back to normal and can slowly start resuming regular activities and eating normal food in a manner of days!