Extractions

Excessive tooth decay, mobile tooth, tooth infection, and crowding can all require a tooth extraction

Tooth extraction is performed by a dentist or oral surgeon and is a relatively quick outpatient procedure with either local anesthesia. Removing visible teeth is a simple extraction. Teeth that are broken, below the surface, or impacted require a more involved procedure

How to prepare for a tooth extraction

Before scheduling the procedure, your dentist will take an X-ray of your tooth. Be sure to tell your dentist about your medical history and condition, any medications you take, as well as vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.

What is the procedure for a tooth extraction?

Your tooth extraction will either be simple or surgical, depending on whether your tooth is visible or impacted.

Simple extraction

You will receive 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.

Surgical extraction

You will likely receive both local anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia, the latter of which makes you calm and relaxed. You may also receive 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.

Once the tooth has been pulled, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. The dentist will pack a gauze pad into the socket and have you bite down on it to help stop the bleeding. Sometimes the dentist will place a few stitches — usually self-dissolving — to close the gum edges over the extraction site.

It normally takes a few days to recover after a tooth extraction.