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 Towne Dental & Orthodontics, 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.

There are several clinical reasons a dentist may advise removing a tooth, including severe decay, extensive fracture, advanced periodontal disease, or problematic wisdom teeth that are impacted or creating crowding. Extractions can stop the spread of infection, remove a persistent source of pain, and protect adjacent teeth and supporting bone from further damage. Each recommendation is based on a careful assessment of the tooth's restorability and the overall impact on oral health.

Before recommending removal, clinicians evaluate medical history, current medications, and diagnostic images to ensure the choice is safe and appropriate. When possible, conservative treatments are preferred, and extraction is presented as the most predictable option when preservation is unlikely to succeed. Your dentist will explain alternatives and the expected benefits of extraction as part of shared decision-making.

A simple extraction is used when a tooth is fully erupted and accessible in the mouth; after effective local anesthesia the dentist loosens the tooth with elevators and removes it with forceps. This approach typically involves minimal trauma to soft tissue and short procedure time, and it is appropriate when roots are uncomplicated. Recovery from a simple extraction is often quicker and easier to manage at home.

Surgical extraction is chosen for teeth that are broken at the gum line, impacted, fused to bone, or otherwise not retrievable by forceps alone. The clinician may need to make a small incision, remove a bit of bone, or section the tooth to extract it safely, and sutures are sometimes placed. Complex cases may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for specialized care and appropriate sedation options.

Pain control for extractions begins with local anesthesia to numb the area so you feel little to no pain during the procedure. Topical anesthetic may be used before injections to reduce discomfort, and the team will confirm you are comfortable before proceeding. For most patients local anesthesia provides reliable pain control for simple and many surgical extractions.

If anxiety or the complexity of the case warrants additional support, options such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or referral for deeper sedation can be discussed. The dental team will review medical history and any medications to select safe sedation strategies and explain recovery expectations. Clear instructions about post-procedure pain management are provided so you can keep discomfort at a manageable level as healing begins.

Preparation begins with a thorough review of your medical history, current medications, and any allergies so the clinician can plan safely. If you take blood-thinning medications or have medical conditions that affect healing, coordination with your physician may be recommended before the procedure. Bring a list of medications and be prepared to discuss any past reactions to anesthesia or sedation.

If you will receive sedation, follow fasting instructions and arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you as advised. Wear comfortable clothing and plan for a day of rest after the extraction, with soft foods and any prescribed medications on hand. Ask the team to review aftercare steps and what to expect during the first few days so you feel confident going into the appointment.

In the first 24 to 72 hours it is common to experience some bleeding, swelling, and mild to moderate discomfort as the tissues begin to heal. Biting gently on gauze helps clot formation and control bleeding, while intermittent ice packs can reduce swelling and discomfort in the early period. Pain usually peaks within the first 24 hours and then improves steadily with rest and appropriate medication.

Your clinician will advise avoiding strenuous activity, smoking, and actions that could dislodge the clot such as using a straw or vigorous rinsing. Gentle oral hygiene around the extraction site and lukewarm saltwater rinses after the first day help keep the area clean without disturbing healing tissue. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, but follow-up visits may be scheduled to monitor recovery if needed.

Although most extractions heal without issue, complications can include prolonged bleeding, infection, and dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot is dislodged or fails to form. Symptoms that suggest a problem include increasing pain after the initial 48 hours, swelling that worsens rather than improves, fever, or a persistent bad taste or odor in the mouth. Smoking, certain medical conditions, and complex surgical extractions increase the likelihood of complications.

If you notice heavy bleeding that soaks through gauze, severe or worsening pain, signs of infection such as fever or pus, or numbness that does not resolve, contact the dental team promptly for evaluation. Early intervention can often prevent a minor issue from becoming more serious, and your clinician will provide clear instructions about when to seek urgent or emergency care if necessary.

Replacement timing depends on factors such as the presence of infection, the condition of surrounding bone, and the planned restorative approach. Options for replacing a single missing tooth include dental implants, fixed bridges, and removable partial dentures, each with different benefits based on durability, preservation of bone, and impact on adjacent teeth. Your dentist will evaluate the extraction site and overall oral health to recommend the most appropriate timing and method.

Dental implants are often preferred for long-term stability and bone preservation when there is adequate bone volume and no active infection. Bridges can restore function and aesthetics when neighboring teeth are healthy enough to support the restoration, while removable prosthetics offer a noninvasive solution for multiple missing teeth or when surgery is not ideal. The treatment plan will consider predictability, healing time, and the sequence of care to achieve the best outcome.

Extractions are sometimes part of an orthodontic plan to create space and improve alignment when tooth size and jaw size are mismatched. In those cases the removal is strategic and coordinated with the orthodontist so the resulting space is used to achieve a healthy, functional bite. When extractions are not part of a planned orthodontic approach, the dentist will consider the potential impact on occlusion and adjacent teeth before recommending removal.

Close communication between general dentists, orthodontists, and any surgical specialists helps ensure that extraction timing and replacement options support long-term function. If you are undergoing or considering orthodontic treatment, discuss the role of extractions in your overall plan so restorative and alignment goals are coordinated effectively. In many instances, a comprehensive treatment plan minimizes unwanted changes to bite and appearance.

Surgical extractions typically involve more tissue manipulation, possible bone removal, and sometimes sectioning of the tooth, which can lead to increased swelling, bruising, and a longer recovery period compared with simple extractions. Sutures may be placed to support the soft tissues, and patients often experience greater initial discomfort that gradually improves over several days. The clinician will provide more detailed aftercare instructions and may schedule closer follow-up for surgical cases.

Antibiotics or specific pain management strategies are sometimes used for complex cases to reduce the risk of infection and improve comfort during recovery. Activity restrictions and a softer diet are often recommended for a longer period to protect the surgical site while tissues heal. With attentive post-operative care and adherence to instructions, most surgical extraction sites heal predictably over a few weeks.

When selecting care, look for a provider who explains the reasons for extraction, outlines alternatives, and describes the planned technique, expected recovery, and follow-up. Experience with both simple and surgical extractions, use of modern diagnostics such as digital radiography, and clear communication about medical considerations are important factors in achieving safe, predictable results. A practice that coordinates referrals to oral surgeons when appropriate demonstrates a focus on patient safety and optimal outcomes.

The office of Towne Dental & Orthodontics emphasizes careful planning, evidence-based techniques, and attentive aftercare to support healing and replacement when needed. Ask about the provider's approach to anesthesia and sedation, how they manage medical risk factors, and what post-operative support is available so you feel informed and confident in your care choice.