When Should a Tooth Be Extracted?

Our prime focus is to enhance your oral health and keep your teeth healthy! We will do everything we can to preserve your natural teeth, but at times a tooth cannot be saved. Leaving a highly infected tooth in place could likely jeopardize surrounding teeth or other aspects of your health. In these situations, after all other possibilities are rendered, Dr. Arastu will recommend for the tooth to be extracted.

Types of Extractions

  • Simple Extraction
    • This type of extraction occurs when the tooth has erupted from the gums and is easily accessible. Dr. Arastu will numb the area with a local anesthetic and then begin to maneuver the tooth back and forth until it is fully removed. At times for easier removal, the tooth may need to be cut into pieces. Simple extractions are normally executed on teeth that are highly decayed or injured.
  • Surgical Extraction
    • This type of extraction occurs when the tooth is too difficult to remove with simple techniques. These can include impacted teeth, teeth that have not grown in yet, teeth that have broken at or below the gumline, etc. These extractions could require a sedation method in addition to the anesthetic administered. An incision will be made to gain access to the tooth in order to loosen it out.

What to Expect After Extraction

Following the extraction, gauze will be placed in the socket in order to stop bleeding and if necessary the socket will be stitched up. For protection during healing, a blood clot will form in the socket. It is important to take care of the area to ensure the clot remains in place. If it becomes loose, bone exposure will occur and cause a painful condition called dry socket. It may be necessary to take antibiotics to prevent infection, but this will be explained before the procedure.

If you had the extraction for the placement of a dental implant, the bone will need time to heal for approximately 2-3 months. In some cases extraction and implant can occur the same day.