Everything You Need to Know About Tooth Extraction

Our goal is always to save your natural teeth. Sometimes, though, removing a tooth is the healthiest choice. Knowing why an extraction may be recommended and what to expect can make the decision much easier.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

• Severe decay or damage: when a tooth is too broken down to repair with a filling, crown or root canal.
• Infection: when an infection cannot be cleared with a root canal and needs to be stopped from spreading.
• Advanced gum disease: when bone loss has left a tooth too loose to keep.
• Wisdom teeth: when they are impacted, coming in crooked or crowding other teeth.
• Crowding: sometimes a tooth is removed to make room before orthodontic treatment.

Tooth pain on its own does not mean a tooth must come out. Call us first. Many painful teeth can be saved.

Simple vs. Surgical Extractions

• Simple extraction: for a tooth that is fully visible above the gums. The area is numbed and the tooth is gently loosened and removed.
• Surgical extraction: for teeth that are broken at the gum line or have not fully come in, such as impacted wisdom teeth. A small opening in the gum gives access to the tooth.

What to Expect

We take X rays, review your health history and medications, and fully numb the area. You may feel pressure, but you should not feel sharp pain. Sedation is available for patients who feel anxious.

Recovery Tips

• Bite on gauze as directed to help a clot form.
• For the first few days, avoid straws, smoking and spitting hard, which can dislodge the clot and cause dry socket.
• Eat soft foods and chew on the other side.
• Use ice for swelling and take pain relievers as directed.
• Call us if pain gets worse after a few days, or if you have fever or swelling that keeps increasing.

Replacing a Missing Tooth

Unless it is a wisdom tooth, a missing tooth should usually be replaced so nearby teeth do not shift and the jawbone stays healthy. Options include dental implants, bridges and dentures or partials. We will talk through these before your extraction so you have a plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an extraction hurt?

The area is fully numbed, and most patients manage soreness afterward with over the counter pain relievers.

How long does healing take?

Most people feel better in a few days. The gum heals over about one to two weeks, and the bone continues to heal over the next few months.

Learn more about tooth extraction.

We have offices in Belterra, Crystal Falls (Leander), Georgetown, San Gabriel and Springfield, IL. To schedule, find your nearest Renken Dentistry location. Early and late appointments are available for busy work and school schedules.