Tooth extractions are common dental procedures that involve removing a tooth from its socket in the bone. While many people might feel anxious about the idea of losing a tooth, extractions are often necessary to treat severe decay, infection, overcrowding, or impacted teeth. Oral Facial Surgery of Delaware offers all types of tooth extractions in Wilmington, DE, as part of our dental services. As highly trained oral surgeons, Dr. Campbell and Dr. Rafetto provide comprehensive care for tooth extraction, including sedation options.
Types of Tooth Extractions
The two main types of tooth extractions are simple and surgical. The kind of extraction you need depends on the condition and location of your tooth.
Simple Extractions
We perform these extractions when the tooth is visible above the gum line. This means Dr. Campbell can see and reach the tooth easily. Simple extractions are usually needed when a tooth is damaged from a cavity, has been broken, or is infected and can’t be saved.
Before the procedure, the dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This means you won’t feel pain during the extraction—just some pressure.
To remove the tooth, the dentist will gently move it back and forth to loosen it from the jawbone. Once it’s loose enough, the dentist will carefully pull it out. Simple extractions don’t take very long and can be done right in the dental office.
Surgical Extractions
These extractions are more complex and are needed when a tooth hasn’t fully come in or is stuck under the gums. This is often the case with wisdom teeth or teeth that are broken off at the gum line. Sometimes the teeth are impacted, which means they are trapped in the jaw and can’t come out on their own.
For a surgical extraction, an oral surgeon may need to make a small cut in the gums to reach the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may be divided into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove. You’ll still receive anesthesia, and sedation may be used to help you relax or sleep during the procedure.
Surgical extractions take a little longer and may require a few stitches to help your gums heal afterward. Dr. Campbell will give you detailed aftercare instructions to help you recover smoothly.
What Are Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Wisdom tooth extractions are a specific type of extraction involving the third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth. These teeth usually emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, wisdom teeth can become problematic, either due to lack of space in the mouth or improper positioning.
When wisdom teeth become impacted, meaning they do not fully emerge through the gums, they can cause pain, swelling, and infection. In such cases, a dentist or oral surgeon may recommend extraction. A wisdom tooth extraction in our Wilmington, DE office often requires a surgical procedure. We’ll provide sedation for this treatment for your comfort.
What to Expect During the Procedure
If you need a tooth pulled, feeling a little nervous is normal. But knowing what will happen during the tooth extraction procedure in our Wilmington, DE, dental office can help you feel more calm and prepared. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and right after your tooth extraction:
Before the Extraction
First, the dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays of the tooth that needs to be removed. These X-rays help the dentist see the position of the tooth and its roots. This step is very important because it helps the dentist decide the safest and easiest way to take the tooth out.
During the Extraction
On the day of your appointment, the dentist will start by numbing the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. This means you’ll be awake, but you won’t feel any pain in the area being worked on. If you’re having a more complicated procedure, like a wisdom tooth removal, we may give you sedation to help you relax or even sleep during the procedure.
Once the area is numb, our dentist will gently remove the tooth. You may feel some pressure, but you shouldn’t feel pain. The whole process usually doesn’t take very long.
Right After the Tooth Is Removed
Once the tooth is out, the dentist or assistant will place a piece of clean gauze over the empty space where the tooth was. You’ll be asked to bite down gently on it to help stop the bleeding. It’s normal to have a little bleeding for a few hours afterward, but the gauze helps form a blood clot that protects the area and starts the healing process.
Recovery After Tooth Extractions
After having a tooth pulled, it’s very important to take good care of your mouth so you can heal properly and feel better faster. Your dentist will give you special instructions, and you should follow them carefully. Here are some easy tips to help you recover:
Take It Easy
Rest for the first 24 hours after your tooth is removed. Try to relax and avoid activities like running, lifting heavy things, or playing sports. Too much movement can make your mouth bleed more or slow down the healing.
Use an Ice Pack
If your cheek feels swollen, you can gently place an ice pack on the outside of your face. You can use an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This can help reduce swelling and make you feel more comfortable.
Eat Soft Foods
For the first few days, eat soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or smoothies. Avoid eating hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods because they can hurt the area where your tooth was removed.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
You want to keep your mouth clean, but be gentle. Don’t rinse your mouth hard or spit forcefully during the first 24 hours. This helps the blood clot stay in place and protects the area as it heals. After the first day, you can rinse gently with warm salt water to help keep things clean.
Stay Hydrated But Avoid Straws
After a dental extraction you can continue to drink water, but make sure to avoid cold or hot beverages. Also don’t use a straw. The sucking motion can disloge the protective blood clot over the extraction site.
While most tooth extractions go smoothly, some complications can arise. One of the most common problems is a dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site either dissolves or dislodges before healing. This can lead to intense pain and delayed healing. To treat dry socket, our dentist may clean the area and place a medicated dressing to promote healing.
Some bleeding is normal after an extraction, but if it continues for more than a few hours, it may indicate a problem. To manage excessive bleeding, bite down gently on a clean piece of gauze. Keep an eye on your recovery. Contact our office if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as increased swelling or persistent pain. We’re here to help you heal.
Schedule an Appointment
Are your wisdom teeth coming in? Do you have severe tooth pain? Get a comfortable tooth extraction in Wilmington, DE. Call 302-335-6123. You can also request an appointment with us online.