Extraction
Tooth extraction is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon and is a relatively quick outpatient procedure with either local, general, intravenous anesthesia, or a combination. Removing visible teeth is a simple extraction. Teeth that are broken, below the surface, or impacted require a more involved procedure.
Below are some things to avoid while you’re healing.
- Don’t drink with a straw. Sucking on a straw may dislodge the blood clot.
- Don’t drink hot liquids. Hot liquids may increase swelling. Limit your alcohol use.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking may break down the blood clot. This can cause a painful tooth socket.
Extraction of tooth
Simple tooth extraction involves the removal of a tooth that is visible in the mouth. This could mean removing a badly damaged or decayed tooth, or removing teeth prior to getting braces.
It is normal to feel some pain after the anesthesia wears off. For 24 hours after having a tooth pulled, you should also expect some swelling and residual bleeding.
About 3 days after your tooth extraction, your gums will begin to heal and close around the removal site. And finally, 7-10 days after your procedure, the opening left by your extracted tooth should be closed (or almost closed), and your gums should no longer be tender or swollen.
Extraction of wisdom tooth/impacted tooth
During wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist or oral surgeon:
- Makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone.
- Removes bone that blocks access to the tooth root.
- Divides the tooth into sections if it’s easier to remove in pieces.
- Removes the tooth.
If the tooth is impacted, the dentist will cut away gum and bone tissue that cover the tooth and then, using forceps, grasp the tooth and gently rock it back and forth to loosen it from the jaw bone and ligaments that hold it in place.
Sometimes, a hard-to-pull tooth must be removed in pieces.
It can take up to 2 weeks to recover from the surgery for having your wisdom tooth or teeth removed. During this time, you may have: a swollen mouth and cheeks – this will be worse for the first few days but will gradually improve; gently pressing a cold cloth to your face helps reduce the swelling.
