﻿ Tooth Extractions
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Tooth Extractions

tooth extraction imageWhen you were six years old, losing a tooth was a rite of passage, perhaps achieved by excessive tooth jiggling, biting into an apple, or tying a string around the tooth and giving it a tug. As an adult, tooth loss is hardly cause for celebration, yet having a tooth pulled is sometimes necessary to create a more healthy solution.

Reasons for Pulling Teeth

Although permanent teeth were meant to last a lifetime, there are a number of reasons why a tooth extraction may be needed. The most common is a tooth that is badly damaged, from trauma or decay, and cannot be repaired. Other reasons include:

  1. A crowded mouth due to lack of space from all the permanent teeth. Sometimes teeth are pulled to prepare the mouth for orthodontics. The goal of orthodontics is to properly align the teeth, which may not be possible if your teeth are too big for your mouth. Likewise, if a tooth cannot break through the gum (erupt) because there is not room in the mouth for it, the dentist may recommend pulling it.
  2. A dental infection. If tooth decay or damage extends to the pulp -- the center of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels -- bacteria in the mouth can enter the pulp, leading to an infection. If the infection is so severe that antibiotics cannot resolve it, an extraction may be needed to prevent the spread of infection to other sites.
  3. The risk of infection is greater with a systemic condition. If your immune system is compromised due to receiving chemotherapy or having an organ transplant, you may be at a greater risk of developing a systemic infection from a particular tooth and may be reason to pull a tooth.
  4. Periodontal (gum) disease . In periodontal disease, patients develop an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. This results in loosening of the teeth and may be necessary to the pull the tooth or teeth.

What to Expect With Tooth Extraction

Before extracting the tooth, Dr. Dillon will give you an injection to anesthetize (numb) the area where the tooth will be removed. If you are having more than one tooth pulled or a tooth is impacted, he may use a stronger longer lasting anesthetic. This will prevent pain throughout your body and make you sleep through the procedure.


Once the tooth has been pulled, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. Dr. Dillon will pack a gauze pad into the socket and have you bite down on it to help stop the bleeding. In some cases, he will place a few self-dissolving stitches to close the edges of the gums over the extraction site.

Sometimes, the blood clot in the socket breaks loose, exposing the socket -- a painful condition called dry socket. If this happens, Dr. Dillon will likely place a sedative dressing over the socket for a few days to protect it as a new clot forms.

What We Need to Know About You Before You Have a Tooth Pulled


After Your Tooth is Extracted

Following a tooth extraction, Dr. Dillon will send you home to recover. Recovery from a tooth extraction typically takes a few days. The following can help minimize discomfort, reduce the risk of infection, and speed recovery.

  1. Take the anti-inflammatory and paid medication as prescribed by Dr. Dillon.
  2. Bite firmly but gently on the gauze pad placed by Dr. Dillon to reduce bleeding and allow a clot to form in the tooth socket. Change gauze pads before they become soaked with blood. Otherwise, leave the pad in place for three to four hours after the extraction.
  3. Apply an ice bag to the affected area immediately after the procedure to keep down swelling.
  4. Apply ice for 10 minute intervals 30 minutes at a time.
  5. Relax for at least 24 hours after the extraction. Limit activity during the next day or two.
  6. Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully for 24 hours after the extraction to avoid dislodging the clot that forms in the socket.
  7. After 24 hours, rinse with your mouth with a solution made of 1/2 teaspoon salt and 8 ounces of warm water.
  8. Do not drink from a straw for the first 24 hours.
  9. Do not smoke, which can inhibit healing.
  11. When lying down, prop your head with pillows. Lying flat may prolong bleeding.
Featured Article on Tooth Extractions - View all
Cosmetic Dentistry - Dear Doctor Magazine

A Simple Tooth Extraction?
From a procedural or professional standpoint, a simple extraction refers to removing a tooth in which the shape of the root or roots lends to easy removal... Read Article

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