Tooth Extraction

Your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction if your tooth is broken or damaged by decay and cannot be saved. Tooth extraction, also known as exodontia, is the process of pulling a tooth from its socket in the bone. It is usually recommended as a last resort treatment if the damaged tooth cannot be fixed with a filling, crown, or other dental treatment. In extreme circumstances, a dentist may need to pull a tooth if a patient is experiencing tooth pain that worsens with chewing, swollen gums, or jaw pain. However, such instances are rare.

When A Tooth Extraction is Needed

Your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction under the following circumstances:

Crowding.  If your teeth are too crowded, some teeth may be extracted to create space for the remaining teeth. Similarly, if a tooth cannot break through the gum (erupt) because there is no room in the mouth, your dentist may recommend pulling it.

Crowding may also be due to a malposed tooth (faulty position of the tooth) or supernumerary teeth (more than the average number of teeth are present).

Compromised Immune System.  If your immune system is compromised for any reason (after receiving chemotherapy or having an organ transplant), your risk of infection is usually high and may warrant a tooth extraction.

Impacted Tooth/Infection. An impacted tooth, such as a wisdom tooth (the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties), sometimes gets stuck and can’t grow normally in the mouth. Tooth extractions are recommended in such cases because this condition can cause recurrent gum tissue infections around wisdom teeth (pericoronitis).

Periodontitis/Gum Disease.  People with unhealthy gums that start receding and forming pockets are at risk of bacterial growth that can cause inflammation and bleeding in the gums. Bacteria can seep inside the gums and cause an infection. In severe cases, this can lead to tooth loss if the gums become so weak that tooth attachment becomes fragile. In such cases, the tooth will need to be pulled.

Trauma. Sometimes, trauma can create conditions that make tooth extraction a necessity. This can include instances where the patient has a jaw fracture sustained in an accident where the teeth are directly involved in the fracture line.

Extractions Due to Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can severely damage a tooth when it extends to the center of the tooth and affects the nerves and blood vessels. When this happens, bacteria in the mouth can cause terrible infections. A root canal may be recommended to resolve the problem. However, if an infection doesn’t clear after antibiotic treatment, Dr. Weishoff will have to pull your tooth to prevent the spread of infection.

Risks Associated with a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is usually a safe procedure. However, patients with certain medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing an infection because the procedure can introduce harmful bacteria into the bloodstream or gum tissue. To minimize your risk, Dr. Weishoff always reviews your medical and dental history and any medications or supplements you might be taking. 

If patients have any of the following medical conditions, they are at higher risk of developing an infection. 

  • Artificial heart valves
  • Damaged heart valves
  • Congenital heart defect (CHD)
  • Impaired immune system
  • Liver disease (cirrhosis)
  • Artificial joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder)
  • History of bacterial endocarditis
  • Rheumatic heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy (Since immunity is lower at this time, tooth extraction can lead to infection or even trauma.)
  • Toxic goiter
  • Nephritis

If you have any of these conditions, Dr. Weishoff may have you take antibiotics before and after the extraction to lower your risk of infection.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

A local or general anesthetic is administered before the procedure to numb the area around the tooth. For a simple extraction where the tooth can be seen in the mouth, Dr. Weishoff uses an elevator (instrument) to loosen the tooth and then removes the tooth with forceps. However, if you have a broken or impacted tooth, she may need to perform a surgical extraction.

Once the tooth has been removed, a blood clot forms in the socket. Gauze is then packed onto the socket, and the patient is instructed to bite down on the gauze to stop the bleeding. Sometimes, stitches may be required to stop the bleeding.

Side Effects of Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, the treated area is sore. Pain can also radiate to adjacent teeth, gums, and the face. This type of pain is known as referred pain. Older patients on aspirin or steroid therapy may experience some bruising. 

Recovery Time After Tooth Extraction

It usually takes 3 to 4 weeks for the soft tissue to heal after tooth extraction.

What To Expect After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, Dr. Weishoff recommends the following aftercare instructions: 

  • Take painkillers and analgesics for pain relief.
  • Keep gauze pads in place 1-2 hours after the extraction. If the gauze becomes blood-soaked, change the pads and bite into them to absorb any remaining blood.
  • Apply an ice bag to the affected area immediately after the procedure to reduce swelling.
  • Rest for at least a day after the procedure and avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.
  • Avoid forceful rinsing or spitting 24 hours after the extraction to avoid dislodging the clot that forms in the socket.
  • Rinse your mouth with a saline solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water) after 24 hours. This acts as an antiseptic and can prevent gum infection.
  • Refrain from smoking, as it can inhibit healing.
  • Prop your head with pillows when lying down because lying flat may prolong bleeding.
  • Brush and floss your teeth while avoiding the site of extraction.
  • Talk less to give the jaw a rest and give the treated area time to heal.

Tooth Extraction Services in Mt. Angel, Oregon

If you have a damaged or decayed tooth causing you problems, you may need a tooth extraction. To schedule a consultation, call Mt. Angel Dental at (503) 845-2273, or you may request an appointment online.  

310 E Charles St.
Mt. Angel, OR 97362

Monday - Thursday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:
Closed

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