Extractions

The most common reasons for tooth loss include advanced periodontal disease, extensive tooth decay, and facial trauma. According to statistics, gum disease is responsible for close to 70% of tooth loss in adults. Although less frequent than the preceding three reasons, it should also be noted that specific diseases, drugs, smoking, and poor nutrition contribute to the risk of tooth loss.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in the United States, an average of 12 teeth (including the wisdom teeth) are lost by the age of 50. Also, 26% of adults between 65 and 74 years of age have lost all their teeth.

Every patient and every situation is different. However, when a tooth and the surrounding tissues are numbed with a local anesthetic, you should only expect to feel a bit of pressure, but no pain as the tooth is being loosened from the surrounding tissues and extracted. For patients who are apprehensive and for some surgical extractions, our office will discuss our options in dental sedation to provide further relaxation and reduce any sense of discomfort.

While it's normal to feel some tenderness and swelling following an extraction, the degree of these sensations can vary. It mostly depends on the complexity of the extraction and the body's response to the procedure. We'll recommend or prescribe the appropriate pain medication to help ensure your comfort and give you specific instructions for maximum effectiveness and safety.

Typically, the recovery period following a simple extraction is shorter than a surgical extraction. However, a patient's overall health, habits, the size and location of the tooth, and other variables can influence recovery and healing. To speed up the recovery and avoid any complications, patients must follow the given at-home instructions diligently. We'll carefully review what to expect following your procedure and go over your post-op instructions.

Smoking interferes with blood clot formation, which is an essential first step in the healing process. Blood clot formation not only provides a protective layer to cover the underlying exposed bone and nerve endings, but it also supports the growth of new tissue. Cigarette smoke also contains chemical toxins that can disrupt the healing process and lead to problems such as continued inflammation, infection, or dry socket.

In a very small percentage of cases, a condition known as dry socket can develop in the aftermath of a dental extraction. This painful condition can arise when the blood clot in the extraction site doesn't form properly or gets dislodged. With dry socket, you may experience throbbing pain and symptoms such as bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. As skilled providers of care, our office will provide immediate treatment to alleviate your discomfort and promote healing.

The last teeth in your mouth to develop, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully erupt or may be positioned in the wrong direction. These issues can affect your dental health as well as overall wellbeing. While some individuals never develop all their wisdom teeth, and a few have sufficient space for them, there are many people with partially or fully impacted third molars. Our office will monitor the development, position, and health of your wisdom teeth and will advise you if and when extractions are indicated.

After a tooth is removed, bone-grafting material is sometimes placed in the socket to promote healing and encourage new bone development. This procedure is often performed to support the eventual and successful placement of a dental implant.

At the office of Inspirational Smiles, we strive to make dental care affordable and accessible. Depending on the type or complexity of the extraction and other variables, the cost of the procedure can vary. Based on our diagnostic findings, our office will inform you of the healthiest choices in care, explain the fees, discuss insurance coverage, and explain your payment options.

Many dental plans offer some level of coverage for tooth extractions. We'll advise you if your plan covers the full cost of the procedure and if there is any out-of-pocket expense. Our business office will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits as much as possible while helping you minimize any out-of-pocket expenses.

A tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jaw. Extractions are performed when a tooth cannot be preserved with restorative treatment or when removal is the safest option for overall oral health. The procedure can be simple or surgical depending on the tooth's position, condition, and root anatomy.

Extractions are carried out using techniques that protect surrounding tissues and promote predictable healing. Local anesthesia ensures the area is numb during the procedure, and additional comfort measures or sedation may be offered for anxious patients. After removal, the socket begins a natural healing process that we monitor during follow-up care.

An extraction may be recommended when a tooth has irreparable decay, a severe fracture that makes restoration impossible, or advanced periodontal disease that has compromised supporting bone. Other common reasons include impacted wisdom teeth that threaten adjacent teeth, retained primary teeth that block permanent tooth eruption, and planned removals to facilitate orthodontic treatment. The decision always follows a complete clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging.

Prior to recommending removal, dentists consider conservative alternatives such as restoration, root canal therapy, or periodontal treatment and explain why those options may not be suitable in a particular case. When extraction is the most responsible choice, the treatment plan is individualized to address the patient's health, anatomy, and long-term oral function. Clear communication about the rationale helps patients understand the benefits and next steps.

Determining whether a tooth can be saved begins with a thorough exam and diagnostic imaging to assess root configuration, bone support, and the extent of decay or damage. Dentists evaluate whether adequate tooth structure remains for predictable restoration, whether the nerve can be treated successfully with endodontic therapy, and whether periodontal therapy can reestablish healthy support. Medical history and factors that influence healing, such as certain medications or systemic conditions, are also taken into account.

The team discusses realistic outcomes and potential risks of conservative treatment versus extraction so patients can make an informed choice. In many cases a trial of restorative or endodontic care is appropriate, while in others extraction offers a safer, more reliable path to oral health. Collaborative decision-making and shared planning with specialists are used when cases are complex.

A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is fully erupted and easily accessible in the mouth; the dentist numbs the area, loosens the tooth, and removes it with elevators and forceps. Surgical extraction is used for teeth that are broken at the gumline, impacted, fused to bone, or have complex root anatomy that prevents straightforward removal. Surgical cases often require a small incision, removal of a portion of bone, or sectioning the tooth for gentle removal.

Both procedures are planned to minimize trauma and support comfortable healing, and appropriate anesthesia and sedation options are discussed in advance. Surgical extractions may require sutures and slightly longer recovery, while simple extractions are typically quicker with straightforward post-operative care. If a case is especially complex, coordination with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be recommended to ensure optimal outcomes.

Local anesthesia is routinely used to numb the extraction site so patients do not feel pain during the procedure, and it is effective for most simple and surgical removals. For patients who experience anxiety or require more extensive surgical care, additional options such as oral sedatives, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or intravenous sedation may be offered to enhance comfort and reduce stress. The choice of anesthesia or sedation is based on the complexity of the procedure, patient health, and individual preference.

Before selecting sedation, the dental team reviews medical history and current medications to ensure safety and coordinates with the patient about pre-appointment instructions, such as fasting if required. Vital signs are monitored during care and recovery protocols are followed until the patient is stable. Clear guidance is provided about post-sedation precautions and driving restrictions when applicable.

Preparation begins with a complete review of your medical and dental history, including medications, allergies, and any conditions that might affect healing. Your dentist may request recent radiographs or take new digital images to evaluate root position and surrounding anatomy, and will advise whether you need to pause certain medications or obtain medical clearance for the procedure. Follow any pre‑operative instructions provided, such as fasting for sedation or arranging transportation if sedation will be used.

If you have specific concerns about anxiety, difficulty with oral opening, or a history of complicated dental procedures, discuss these with the team in advance so comfort measures can be planned. Bring a list of medications and any relevant medical documentation to the appointment. Clear communication helps the practice deliver a safe, well-coordinated experience.

Initial recovery typically involves some bleeding, swelling, and mild to moderate discomfort that peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours and then gradually improves. You will receive instructions to control bleeding, protect the forming clot, manage pain and swelling, and maintain gentle oral hygiene; following these guidelines reduces the risk of complications such as dry socket. Most people can resume light activities within a day or two, but healing times vary with the complexity of the extraction and the individual's health.

Soft tissue healing usually progresses over one to two weeks, while the underlying bone remodels over several months. Attend any scheduled follow-up visits so the dental team can confirm proper healing and remove sutures if necessary. If you notice increasing pain, persistent bleeding, fever, or signs of infection, contact the office promptly for assessment.

Common complications include prolonged bleeding, infection, and dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot protecting the socket is dislodged or fails to form properly. Pain that is out of proportion to expected recovery or signs of spreading infection such as swelling, fever, or persistent drainage warrant prompt evaluation. The dental team can provide treatments such as medicated dressings, antibiotics when indicated, or additional interventions to control bleeding and support healing.

Risk is minimized by following pre‑ and post‑operative instructions, disclosing all relevant medical information, and attending follow-up care. Individual factors like smoking, certain medications, and systemic health conditions can increase complication risk, so coordination with medical providers may be necessary. Early communication with the office helps address issues before they become more serious.

In the first 24 to 48 hours after extraction, choose soft, cool or lukewarm foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and broths that require little to no chewing and do not irritate the surgical site. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or sticky foods that can disturb the clot or wound and skip drinking through a straw, which can create negative pressure and dislodge the clot. Stay well hydrated with non‑carbonated, non‑alcoholic beverages.

As healing progresses and discomfort diminishes, gradually reintroduce more textured foods but continue to avoid chewing directly over the extraction site until it has sufficiently healed. Most patients can return to their normal diet within a week or two depending on the complexity of the extraction and individual healing. If you have dietary restrictions or special nutritional needs, ask the dental team for personalized guidance to support recovery.

Several predictable options exist to replace a missing tooth, including removable partial dentures, fixed dental bridges that use adjacent teeth for support, and implant‑based restorations that replace the tooth root and crown. Each approach has advantages and considerations related to durability, maintenance, impact on neighboring teeth, and how it preserves bone and function. The appropriate choice depends on your oral health, anatomy, long‑term goals, and any medical factors that could affect treatment.

The dental team will review replacement timing, whether immediate or delayed placement is suitable, and any preparatory procedures such as bone grafting that may be required to support an implant or to achieve optimal esthetic results. Our clinicians discuss the pros and cons of each option and coordinate care so that the final plan restores comfort, chewing ability, and appearance. For personalized recommendations, schedule a consultation to explore the solutions that best fit your needs.