Extractions in Newtown, PA
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Did you know…
The most common reason for extractions is tooth decay.
How it works: The tooth extraction process
Clean & Sanitize
Your dentist will begin by cleaning and disinfecting the treatment site to prepare for the extraction procedure.
Local Anesthesia
To ensure you feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure, your dentist will use local anesthesia on and around the extraction site.
Loosening & Removing The Tooth
Using special dental tools, your dentist will slowly and gently begin to loosen the tooth in the socket. Your dentist will then ensure the tooth has been sufficiently loosened before pulling it out with a pair of dental forceps.
Cleaning & Necessary Sutures
After the tooth has been removed, your dentist will clean and disinfect the area. Sutures will be placed on the extraction site to ensure proper healing.
Healing & Aftercare
Once the procedure is complete, you’ll be sent home to recover. Your dentist will provide you with a comprehensive set of instructions to help your mouth heal as quickly as possible.
Types of tooth extractions
Basic Extractions
While your dentist will always try to save your tooth first, an extraction may be necessary for teeth that have been severely damaged by injuries, gum disease, or decay.
For example, a tooth may not be possible to save with a root canal if it is deeply infected. Your dentist may recommend an extraction instead. A dental implant, dental bridge, or partial denture can be used to replace your missing tooth and restore the natural function of your smile.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that tend to grow in much later than the rest of our teeth, usually between the ages of 17-25.
Because of their delayed eruption, many people lack enough space in their mouths for wisdom teeth. This can cause shifting, misalignment, infection, and discomfort with your other teeth when the wisdom teeth begin to erupt. Due to these complications, most people choose to have their wisdom teeth extracted when they begin to emerge.
Did you know…
Overall, the extraction healing process takes about 1-2 weeks.
Have questions about tooth extractions? Find answers here.
When is tooth extraction necessary?
Tooth extractions may be necessary for patients suffering from an extremely severe cavity, severe damage from oral trauma, or an infected tooth that cannot be saved with root canal therapy. In most cases, it is possible to save your tooth with a crown or root canal therapy, but sometimes an extraction may be your only option.
Improper wisdom teeth growth is the most common reason for tooth extractions. If your dentist sees that your wisdom teeth are impacted or failing to erupt properly, an extraction may be recommended to ensure that your other teeth remain healthy. Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth to be removed, however. Consult with your dentist to find out if your wisdom teeth are or will be a problem.
A tooth extraction may be required if severe periodontal disease is compromising the health of the tooth, causing it to loosen from the gums. Your dentist may want to extract these teeth to prepare you for a strong and long-lasting tooth replacement option, such as dental implants or dentures.
Will I be in pain after my extraction and how long does it take to heal?
Thanks to numbing and sedation treatments, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during or immediately after your extraction procedure. However, symptoms such as pain, discomfort, swelling, bruising, and bleeding may begin to arise within a few hours following your extraction. While these symptoms tend to peak within the first 2-3 days, they will begin to fade as you continue to heal. Make sure to eat a diet of mostly soft foods for about 5-7 days after your treatment to prevent impact and agitation.
It will take about 1-2 weeks to completely heal from the extraction. By carefully following the recovery instructions provided to you by your dentist, you can enhance the healing progress. It is not normal to endure severe pain and discomfort 1-2 weeks after your extraction, so contact your dentist for a follow-up appointment if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Are extractions covered by insurance?
Extractions that are required to remove impacted wisdom teeth, or damaged or decayed teeth, are typically covered by insurance. To fully understand your coverage and benefits, we recommend that you contact your insurance provider.
Did you know…
Your dentist will always try to save your tooth first before considering an extraction.