Reasons for Tooth Extractions 

There are many occasions that call for a tooth extraction. Some of the most common ones include:

• Serious decay
• Gum disease
• Accident or injury
• Impaction

How Are Teeth Extracted?

There are essentially two types of extractions: simple and surgical. With a simple extraction, you are given only local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth so that it can then be removed with forceps.

Surgical extractions are generally used when the tooth is impacted or inside your gums. During a surgical extraction, you'll receive general anesthesia and/or laughing gas. Once you are comfortably asleep, the dentist will make an incision into your gums and remove the impacted tooth.

What To Expect During Recovery

The amount of pain you experience will largely depend on the procedure you had and the number of teeth that were extracted. Surgical extractions are more intrusive, and typically require stitches. Accordingly, they result in more downtime than a simple extraction would. 

There can be some minor discomfort and swelling present for a few days after either type of extraction. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication and/or antibiotics to help with this. You should also take extra precautions by:



• Using an ice pack to prevent swelling
• Eating only soft foods
• Rinsing with warm salt water twice daily
• Refraining from smoking or using tobacco

Making Tooth Extraction Recovery as Easy as Possible

Here at Shore Smiles Dental, we'll be here for you before, during, and after your tooth extraction. If you're experiencing bleeding, swelling, or severe pain following an extraction, please contact us. 

Maybe you've been told you need a tooth extraction but aren't quite sure. In that case, please schedule a free second opinion consult. We look forward to seeing you soon.