Prior to Procedure

Your dentist will likely:

• Do a thorough dental exam
• Do dental x-rays of the mouth

Anesthesia

Depending on the procedure, your dentist will choose:

• Local anesthesia—just the area that is being operated on is numbed; given as an injection
• General anesthesia—blocks pain and keeps you asleep through the procedure

Description of the Procedure

If the tooth is impacted (buried in the gum), the overlying gum tissue will be opened to expose the tooth. Using forceps, the dentist will grasp the tooth and gently rock it back and forth. This action will loosen the tooth and break the ligaments that hold the tooth in place. The tooth will be pulled, and a blood clot will form in the empty socket. A gauze pad will be packed into the socket. In some cases, a few stitches will be placed to close the gum edges.

Immediately After Procedure

You will need to bite firmly but gently on the gauze pad. This will reduce bleeding and permit a clot to form in the tooth socket. If rapid bleeding continues, replace with a fresh pad every 20-30 minutes. Otherwise, leave the pad in place for 3-4 hours.

How Long Will It Take?

It often takes about 20 minutes, but may take longer for impacted teeth.

How Much Will It Hurt?

You will feel pain in your jaw. You may be given pain medication. A complication called dry socket may occur. A dry socket forms when a blood clot does not form in the tooth socket, leaving the bone in the jaw exposed to air and food. A dry socket takes 2-3 weeks to heal and is painful during the healing process.

Post-procedure Care

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• Do not smoke.
• Continue to brush and floss other teeth. This will help prevent infection in the extraction site.
• Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

In the first 24 hours, expect some swelling and bleeding. The initial healing period usually takes about 1-2 weeks. New bone and gum tissue will grow into the gap.

Having a missing tooth can lead to shifting teeth, improper bite, or difficulty chewing. Your dentist may attempt to restore the area with an implant, fixed bridge, or denture.