Extractions

The most common reasons for tooth loss include advanced periodontal disease, extensive tooth decay, and facial trauma. According to statistics, gum disease is responsible for close to 70% of tooth loss in adults. Although less frequent than the preceding three reasons, it should also be noted that specific diseases, drugs, smoking, and poor nutrition contribute to the risk of tooth loss.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in the United States, an average of 12 teeth (including the wisdom teeth) are lost by the age of 50. Also, 26% of adults between 65 and 74 years of age have lost all their teeth.

Every patient and every situation is different. However, when a tooth and the surrounding tissues are numbed with a local anesthetic, you should only expect to feel a bit of pressure, but no pain as the tooth is being loosened from the surrounding tissues and extracted. For patients who are apprehensive and for some surgical extractions, our office will discuss our options in dental sedation to provide further relaxation and reduce any sense of discomfort.

While it's normal to feel some tenderness and swelling following an extraction, the degree of these sensations can vary. It mostly depends on the complexity of the extraction and the body's response to the procedure. We'll recommend or prescribe the appropriate pain medication to help ensure your comfort and give you specific instructions for maximum effectiveness and safety.

Typically, the recovery period following a simple extraction is shorter than a surgical extraction. However, a patient's overall health, habits, the size and location of the tooth, and other variables can influence recovery and healing. To speed up the recovery and avoid any complications, patients must follow the given at-home instructions diligently. We'll carefully review what to expect following your procedure and go over your post-op instructions.

Smoking interferes with blood clot formation, which is an essential first step in the healing process. Blood clot formation not only provides a protective layer to cover the underlying exposed bone and nerve endings, but it also supports the growth of new tissue. Cigarette smoke also contains chemical toxins that can disrupt the healing process and lead to problems such as continued inflammation, infection, or dry socket.

In a very small percentage of cases, a condition known as dry socket can develop in the aftermath of a dental extraction. This painful condition can arise when the blood clot in the extraction site doesn't form properly or gets dislodged. With dry socket, you may experience throbbing pain and symptoms such as bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. As skilled providers of care, our office will provide immediate treatment to alleviate your discomfort and promote healing.

The last teeth in your mouth to develop, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully erupt or may be positioned in the wrong direction. These issues can affect your dental health as well as overall wellbeing. While some individuals never develop all their wisdom teeth, and a few have sufficient space for them, there are many people with partially or fully impacted third molars. Our office will monitor the development, position, and health of your wisdom teeth and will advise you if and when extractions are indicated.

After a tooth is removed, bone-grafting material is sometimes placed in the socket to promote healing and encourage new bone development. This procedure is often performed to support the eventual and successful placement of a dental implant.

At the office of Crowns Now Family Dentistry, we strive to make dental care affordable and accessible. Depending on the type or complexity of the extraction and other variables, the cost of the procedure can vary. Based on our diagnostic findings, our office will inform you of the healthiest choices in care, explain the fees, discuss insurance coverage, and explain your payment options.

Many dental plans offer some level of coverage for tooth extractions. We'll advise you if your plan covers the full cost of the procedure and if there is any out-of-pocket expense. Our business office will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits as much as possible while helping you minimize any out-of-pocket expenses.

A dentist may recommend an extraction when a tooth threatens the health of the mouth or cannot be restored. Common reasons include severe decay that destroys tooth structure, vertical root fractures, advanced periodontal disease, and poorly positioned or impacted wisdom teeth. Extractions are also used to remove over‑retained primary teeth or to make space for orthodontic treatment.

Before recommending removal, the clinician evaluates alternative treatments such as root canal therapy, crowns, or periodontal care and explains why extraction is the most appropriate option. The decision balances preserving natural teeth with preventing infection, pain, or damage to adjacent teeth and supporting bone. Patient‑specific factors, including systemic health and ability to tolerate procedures, are considered in the final recommendation.

Classification depends on the tooth's position and root anatomy as determined by clinical exam and radiographs. A simple extraction applies when the tooth is visible and has straightforward root shape, allowing removal with elevators and forceps after local anesthesia. Surgical extractions involve incisions, bone removal, or sectioning the tooth and are chosen for impacted, broken, or ankylosed teeth.

Dentists use digital radiography and, when indicated, cone beam CT to assess complexity and plan the most conservative approach. If a case requires advanced surgical skills or general anesthesia, referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be recommended to ensure optimal outcomes. This planning helps set expectations for recovery and follow‑up care.

Provide a complete medical history including current medications, recent illnesses, and any heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or immune system issues. Be sure to disclose use of blood thinners, herbal supplements, and any history of adverse reactions to anesthesia or antibiotics. Accurate information helps the team plan safe anesthesia and determine whether premedication or medical clearance is necessary.

Also mention pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, or conditions that affect healing so precautions can be taken and timing optimized. If you have dental anxiety, discuss sedation options to make the experience more comfortable. Your dentist may adjust medications or recommend collaboration with your physician based on these factors.

Local anesthesia is used routinely to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues so patients do not feel pain during the procedure. For patients who are anxious or when multiple teeth are removed, options may include oral sedation, nitrous oxide, or intravenous sedation depending on the office's capabilities and the clinician's training. General anesthesia is provided when indicated, often in a hospital or surgical center, and typically by an anesthesiologist or oral surgeon.

Your dentist will review risks and benefits of each option and tailor the plan to your health history and the complexity of the extraction. Fasting instructions and escort arrangements may apply for moderate to deep sedation, and pre‑surgical directions should be followed closely for safety. Clear pre‑procedure guidance reduces risk and improves patient comfort during recovery.

After reviewing medical history and obtaining consent, the clinician will administer local anesthesia and confirm numbness before starting. For simple extractions the tooth is loosened with elevators and removed with forceps; for surgical cases an incision and limited bone removal may be performed to access the tooth. Providers work to minimize trauma to surrounding tissues and to preserve bone when future replacement options are being considered.

Once the tooth is removed, the socket is inspected, often irrigated, and sutures may be placed to promote healing. The team will place gauze to control bleeding and provide clear post‑operative instructions about activity, medications, and follow‑up care. A brief observation period in the office ensures initial recovery is proceeding as expected.

Control of bleeding and protection of the blood clot are top priorities during the first 24 hours. Bite gently on the supplied gauze to maintain pressure and avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or using a straw, which can dislodge the clot and lead to dry socket. Rest, limit strenuous activity, and keep the head elevated to reduce bleeding and swelling.

Use ice packs intermittently on the face for the first day to control swelling and take any prescribed or recommended pain medication as directed. Maintain gentle oral hygiene, avoiding the extraction site until your dentist advises otherwise, and follow up if you experience unusual bleeding, severe pain, fever, or persistent bad taste. Keeping a clear line of communication with the dental team helps address concerns early and supports uncomplicated healing.

Pain is typically managed with over‑the‑counter non‑aspirin analgesics or prescription medications when needed; take medications as directed to stay ahead of discomfort. Applying cold packs to the outside of the face in 10‑minute intervals during the first 24 hours helps reduce swelling and bruising. After 24–48 hours, warm compresses or gentle rinses with a saltwater solution can promote comfort and healing.

Follow dosing instructions and avoid combining medications without consulting your provider, especially if you take other prescriptions. If pain increases after a few days or does not respond to the recommended regimen, contact your dental team for evaluation as this can indicate infection or a dry socket. The clinician will determine whether additional treatment or an antibiotic is required based on clinical findings.

Normal recovery includes mild discomfort, some swelling, and minimal bleeding that tapers within 24 hours, but certain symptoms require prompt attention. Contact your dentist if you experience heavy or persistent bleeding, severe or increasing pain despite medication, swelling that worsens after 48–72 hours, fever, or pus draining from the site. A persistent bad taste or numbness beyond the expected recovery period should also be evaluated.

If you have a history of heart valve issues or joint replacements and develop signs of infection, your dental team may coordinate with your physician to manage care. Timely communication ensures issues such as alveolar osteitis (dry socket) or infection are treated early to avoid more extensive intervention. Early assessment allows targeted care such as debridement, medicated dressings, or prescription medication to promote recovery.

Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to erupt and frequently become impacted or poorly positioned due to limited jaw space. Because they may be partially covered by gum tissue or trapped under bone, wisdom tooth removal more often requires surgical techniques including incisions, bone removal, and sectioning the tooth. Their anatomy and proximity to nerves or sinuses necessitate careful imaging and planning.

Younger patients often heal faster after third molar removal, and preventive removal may be recommended when wisdom teeth pose a risk to adjacent teeth or oral health. When nerves are close to the roots a skilled clinician or specialist will review the risks, explain nerve‑sparing techniques, and may use advanced imaging to reduce complication rates. Post‑operative instructions and follow‑up imaging are used as needed to confirm healing and nerve function.

When replacement is appropriate, options commonly include removable dentures, fixed dental bridges, and dental implants, each with clinical indications that depend on the number of missing teeth, bone quality, and overall oral health. Dental implants are the most tooth‑like solution and preserve jawbone by transmitting chewing forces to the bone, whereas bridges and dentures may be suitable quicker solutions depending on patient needs. Your clinician will evaluate timing, as immediate replacement is sometimes possible but often delayed to allow healing.

Planning for replacement includes assessing bone volume, periodontal health, and adjacent teeth; additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus augmentation may be recommended when necessary. Discussing replacement plans before or soon after extraction helps preserve anatomy and provide the best long‑term functional and esthetic outcome, and the dental team at Crowns Now Family Dentistry can outline the clinical steps relevant to your situation. A coordinated plan supports timely restoration while minimizing complications related to bone loss or shifting adjacent teeth.