How Is a Tooth Extraction Performed?

Our goal is to help you create a beautiful, healthy smile. Sometimes this means that we’ll need to remove a tooth or two so we can treat and improve your smile. What happens during a tooth extraction? Here’s what to expect from your procedure.

Why Are Tooth Extractions Needed?

Teeth are valuable and whenever possible, your dentist will work to repair your teeth using fillings, crowns, and other treatment options. Some teeth are too damaged to repair and need to be removed. We also remove teeth to prevent future problems or if they are infected. When a tooth needs to come out, we perform a tooth extraction.

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a relatively straightforward procedure. Here’s what may happen when you come into see us for tooth removal.

  • Detailed Examination- Before an extraction, we make sure that removal is necessary. We’ll take x-rays of the area to assess the condition of your teeth. These x-rays also help us to spot potential complications, like nerves or bone disease, before the procedure.
  • Create a Surgical Plan- We want your extraction to be as easy as possible. We’ll work with you to create a surgical plan. We try to remove as many teeth as possible during a single appointment to minimize your downtime. Tooth extractions can be performed using local anesthetics, IV sedation, general anesthesia, etc., depending on your needs, your pain tolerance, and your anxiety levels.
  • Tooth Extraction- We perform most extractions in our offices and patients return home to recover. During the procedure you may feel pressure, but you won’t experience pain. We have a variety of pain relief options available to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

Simple vs. Surgical Extraction

Some tooth extractions are relatively easy. Others are very complex. We can give you a better idea of what to expect from your extraction after an examination and x-rays.

  • Simple Extraction- A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is fully erupted in the mouth. The tooth is loosened and then pulled out using forceps. Many times this procedure can be performed by a regular dentist, without the need for oral surgery.
  • Surgical Extraction- Surgical extractions are needed when teeth are broken off or trapped within the bone. A small cut is made on the gums and the tooth is removed. We may need to remove some of the bone surrounding the tooth or may need to break the tooth up before removing it. Stitches may be required to hold the gums closed during recovery.

 

Call Hill Country Oral Surgery today and schedule your tooth extraction consultation.