Extractions

A tooth extraction may be recommended 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. Some teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

Extraction Procedure

At the time of the extraction, your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area will be numbed 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.

Some teeth may 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 tooth is simply cut into sections, then each section is removed one at a time.

Post Procedure

It’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process.

  • To control the bleeding, place a piece of moist gauze over the empty tooth socket and bite firmly for 45 minutes. 

  • After the blood clot forms, it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws or smoke for 24 hours. Limit vigorous exercise for 24 hours.

  • If swelling occurs, place an ice pack on your face for 10 minutes and off for 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle as needed for 24 hours. Use non-prescription pain relief medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as needed.

  • For most extractions, chew away from the extraction site. Avoid hot liquids and alcoholic beverages for 24 hours. A liquid diet may also be recommended for 24 hours.

  • Avoid brushing the teeth near the extraction site for 24 hours. After that, resume gentle cleaning. Avoid commercial mouth rinses as they tend to irritate the site.

  • After 24 hours, rinse with salt water (1/2 teaspoon in a cup of water) after meals and before bed.

Dry Socket

Following post extraction care instructions will reduce the risk of developing dry socket, which occurs when the protective blood clot is dislodged from the gum. Dry sockets manifest themselves as a dull throbbing pain, which doesn’t appear until three or four days after the extraction. The pain can be moderate to severe and radiate from the extraction area. Dry socket may cause a bad taste or bad breath, and the extraction site appears dry. A medicated dressing will be applied to the dry socket to sooth the pain.


Note: After a tooth has been extracted, there will be a resulting hole in your jawbone. This will smooth and fill in with bone over time, taking many weeks or months. However, after 1-2 weeks you should no longer notice any inconvenience.