We offer tooth extractions for patients with badly damaged or diseased teeth and third molar (wisdom teeth) extractions, and, in some cases, for orthodontic concerns. Most tooth extractions are performed in our general dentist office. We do refer to specialists if necessary.
There are several reasons for having a tooth extracted. A common reason to have teeth pulled is severe decay or damage. Teeth may be damaged by an accident, broken, or cracked so badly that the tooth must be removed. One of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults is gum disease. For patients with advanced gum disease, the surrounding gum and bone deteriorate and cause the tooth to fall out prematurely or, in some cases, be physically extracted.
Teeth might also be removed for orthodontic reasons, to improve alignment, or remove extra teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
One of the most common types of tooth extraction we perform is wisdom teeth removal. The third molars (wisdom teeth) are generally extracted before teeth are fully formed in adolescents and young adults. Wisdom teeth can cause significant pain, particularly when there is no room for the teeth to grow. In severe cases, wisdom teeth can become impacted, leading to infection, decay, damage to neighboring teeth, and misaligning the bite.
Some patients who undergo wisdom teeth removal are given a sedative to
relax the patient and make the surgery easier for the dentist. In some cases, stitches are required at the extraction site. These stitches generally disintegrate naturally but may need to be removed by the dentist.
Patients who undergo wisdom teeth removal should expect a recovery period of about five to seven days for the gum area to heal and three to four weeks for complete recovery.
Tooth Extraction Treatment
Tooth extractions are only used when deemed necessary. The extraction process is routine and can be completed from the comfort of our Marrero, LA dentist office. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during their tooth extraction using a local anesthetic. Some patients may choose a sedation option if they experience dental anxiety. Your Barataria dentist will discuss sedation options with you before treatment.
Once the patient is relaxed and comfortable, the tooth will be gently removed from the root structure. Your dentist will remove the tooth and sometimes use one or two sutures to close the hole to reduce the risk of infection. Our dental care team will provide personalized post-treatment instructions for a safe and comfortable recovery. Patients typically fully heal within a few days after treatment without complication. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience excessive bleeding, swelling, or shooting pains.
Depending on where the extracted tooth is located, patients may choose to have their tooth replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants are the most natural way to replace missing teeth and provide patients with long-term oral health benefits.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
After tooth extraction, you must ensure you properly care for the site. The dentist immediately puts gauze at the site and has you bite down firmly to help stop the bleeding. The clotting process is extremely important, and the bite pressure helps. Take care not to dislodge the blood clot in the days following the procedure. For 24 hours after extraction, don’t drink through a straw or rinse your mouth vigorously with water.
Though you won’t experience severe pain after an extraction, you’ll have swelling and soreness in the days after the procedure. Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the pain. In extreme cases, we may prescribe stronger painkillers. A cold compress is the best way to manage swelling. Hold it to the affected area for around 20 minutes, with at least 10-minute breaks in between sessions.
After the first 24 hours, begin gently rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater a few times a day. It assists with the healing process and keeps debris away from the healing site. You must continue brushing and flossing your teeth but avoid brushing over the healing site.
You should avoid certain habits so that you heal properly. Smoking is one of the worse things you can do. It slows blood flow to the mouth, slowing healing and increasing your chances of developing dry socket. This is a painful condition where the clot is dislodged before the area is fully healed.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
There are various reasons why you may need a tooth extraction. Learn more about them by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Can I eat after a tooth extraction?
For the first 24 hours after the extraction, avoid eating anything that requires a lot of chewing. Do your best to keep it to liquids only for this first time period. Stick to soft foods like pudding or mashed potatoes if you eat anything. After this period, you can slowly work up to firmer foods.
What shouldn’t I do after a tooth extraction?
You should drink water and stay hydrated after your extraction. However, avoid drinking out of a straw for at least the first 24 hours. It can interfere with the clotting process at the extraction site. Avoid smoking and alcohol use as well. These make it harder for the clot to form properly. Don’t poke and prod at the extraction site, either. You don’t want to do anything that disturbs the clot.
How long should I rest after a tooth extraction?
For a simple tooth extraction with no surgical component, rest for about 48 hours. You may want to take the day of the extraction off from work or school so that you can relax. Don’t do anything too strenuous in the first few days after the extraction. For a complex extraction, your dentist will give you resting guidelines.
How do I clean my mouth after an extraction?
Don’t rinse or anything for the first 24-48 hours. You don’t want to disturb the blood clot. After this period, rinse your mouth with warm salt water 3-4 times daily. This keeps the area clean and helps to promote healing. Be sure to rinse your mouth out thoroughly after you eat as well.
How long does the tooth clot stay after an extraction?
After about 7-10 days, the clot will be fully formed. If you had to get stitches, we’ll remove them, or they will dissolve independently.
Should I get my tooth extracted?
At our office, we try to preserve the natural tooth structure as much as possible. But sometimes, extraction is the best route. If a tooth is severely decayed or damaged, it may not be salvageable. There often isn’t enough room in our mouths for our wisdom teeth. Since they usually do more harm than good, we also recommend extraction. Call us or schedule an appointment online if you need a tooth extraction.