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While many teens and some adults get their wisdom teeth removed, there are other reasons why tooth extraction may be necessary in adulthood.
Tooth extraction is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon and is a relatively quick outpatient procedure. Removing visible teeth is a simple extraction. Teeth that are broken, below the surface, or impacted require a more involved procedure.
Before scheduling the procedure, your dentist will take an X-ray of your tooth. Be sure to tell your dentist about any medications you take, as well as vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.
Tell your dentist if you are being treated for any medical condition like:
Your dentist may want to make sure all conditions are stable or treated before you undergo the tooth extraction. You might be prescribed antibiotics in the days leading up to the procedure if:
It’s helpful to keep the following in mind for the day of the tooth extraction in order to ensure quality treatment:
Your tooth extraction will either be simple or surgical, depending on whether your tooth is visible or impacted.
A simple extraction is usually done under a local anesthetic, which numbs the area around your tooth so you’ll feel only pressure, not pain, during the procedure. The dentist then uses an instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it.
A surgical extraction is done under local anesthetic or combined with local anesthesia and sedation (oral /laughing gas /intravenous) the latter of which makes you calm and relaxed. You may also receive Intravenous sedation /general anesthesia, depending on any medical conditions.
The general dentist or oral surgeon will cut into your gum with a small incision. They may need to remove bone around your tooth or cut your tooth before it can be extracted.
There are a few risks to undergoing a tooth extraction; however, if your dentist recommends the procedure, the benefits likely outweigh the small chance of complications.
Usually, after a tooth extraction, a blood clot naturally forms in the socket — the hole in the bone where the tooth has been extracted. However, if the blood clot does not form or dislodges, the bone inside the socket can be exposed — referred to as “dry socket.” If this happens, the dentist will protect the area by putting a sedative dressing over it for a few days. During this time, a new clot will form.
Other risks include:
Contact your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.
It normally takes a few days to recover after tooth extraction. The following steps help ensure that your recovery goes smoothly.
As you heal over the next few days, you can slowly reintroduce other foods into your diet.
If you are experiencing pain that isn’t going away after several days or signs of an infection —including fever, pain, and pus or drainage from the incision — make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Dr. Neerja Khosla has been a dentist for over 30 years. She loves dentistry and is very passionate and committed to her profession.
| Monday | By Appointment Only |
| Tuesday | 11:00am - 7:00pm |
| Wednesday | 11:00am - 7:00pm |
| Thursday | 9:00am - 5:00pm |
| Friday | 9:00pm - 5:00pm |
| Saturday | 9:00am - 3:00pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
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