Extractions

You and Dr. Belton may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Belton will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

The Extraction Process

At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.

During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

Sectioning a tooth

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.

After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.

Center for Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 2 Tooth Extractions reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I was in so much pain and they were able to squeeze me into their busy schedule. As usual i get very nervous when having to deal with any work done to my teeth but Dr. Belton and his staff were extremely professional and caring. Dr. Belton made sure to take care of me after a failed root canal i got done somewhere else. He answered any questions i had and talked me thru the whole process and was very friendly as well as his staff. This is my second time coming here and I am very pleased that i did. Dr. Belton himself even goes out of his way to call you later on during the day to check up on you which I appreciated. I highly recommend people to come here. Thank you Dr. Belton and your staff for your service.

- Elizabeth R

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

The staff is knowledgeable. They are able to answer questions. They are efficient. It was a great experience because they worked smoothly together. Seamlessly moving from one stage to the next. They understood this was my first time in their office. They took the time to explain what they were doing yet never seemed patronizing. The doctor is skilled and puts a person at ease. Very gracious and professional. I was pleasantly surprised to have a call later in the evening to see how things were post procedure. Loved that followup. It only took a moment, but mattered a lot to me. I was very impressed. Every part of the team was exemplary.

- Annette Q

5 out of 5 stars on