Few words will strike fear in dental patients more than hearing an extraction is imminent. However, today's dental advances have made tooth extraction a much more comfortable process both during and after the procedure.

When is a tooth extraction recommended?

Patients may require a tooth extraction for a number of reasons including:

A tooth that is broken or decayed beyond repair may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant or bridge
In cases of severe gum disease, the tooth that has been affected by the infection may need to be removed
Teeth that are not properly positioned sometimes must be removed to correct a patient's bite
Teeth that are negatively affecting the patient's bite through crowding (This is often the case in a wisdom tooth extraction, since their eventual appearance can crowd the rest of the teeth in the mouth.)
Teeth that are not good candidates for root canal may need to be extracted so necessary treatment on the nerve spaces can be completed.

What is the process involved?

A tooth extraction begins with a thorough examination of the tooth to be extracted. If an infection is detected, a round of antibiotics may need to be taken before the procedure can be done. The dentist will also take a thorough medical history to ensure the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. The patient and dentist will also discuss the procedure, including what to expect and the type of sedation and anesthetic that might be used.

On the day of the procedure, the patient will be given a local anesthetic and sedation if requested. During the extraction, the patient may feel some pressure but should not feel any pain. After the extraction, a piece of gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding. The patient is usually advised to rest for a couple of hours to allow the healing process to begin. At this time, a clot will form over the extraction site to prevent additional bleeding.

What is the recovery period like?

The patient will be give pain medication to take for the first day or two after the extraction. The type of medication will vary based on the type of extraction done and the patient's own pain threshold. There may be some swelling after the procedure as well, which can usually be effectively managed with ice packs.

Most patients are instructed to limit activity for the first 24 hours after the procedure to ensure the clot does not become dislodged. A liquid diet may also be recommended during this time. It is very important to keep the teeth clean after an extraction with gentle brushing or a salt water rinse. Follow the dentist's instruction for proper oral hygiene directly after the procedure to ensure your mouth heals quickly and completely