Nobody wants to lose a tooth, but sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary to preserve your oral health. Whether it’s because a tooth is damaged, infected, or crooked, your dental professional might recommend a tooth extraction, which is a very common procedure. During an extraction, your dental provider will use tools to remove your tooth from the gum socket.

There are two types of tooth extractions. A simple extraction is done when the tooth is visible and easily accessible, while a surgical extraction is performed when your tooth is impacted or broken beneath the gum line.

While some patients fear the idea of a tooth extraction, it’s nothing to be afraid of. With modern dental technology and pain management solutions,  the procedure can be quick and painless. Your dentist or periodontist can also provide recommendations for long-term tooth replacement options.

Do you need a tooth extraction? Below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this common dental procedure.

When Is A Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Your dental professional’s primary goal is to save a tooth, and restorative options like dental filings and crowns will always be the first consideration. However, sometimes saving a tooth isn’t possible for a number of reasons. Some of the examples of when an extraction might be necessary include:

• Severe Infection – Your tooth is infected and there is a risk of the infection spreading to other areas of the mouth or jaw.
• Broken Tooth – Your tooth is badly damaged and causing pain.
• Impacted Tooth Your tooth is impacted and trapped inside the jaw.
• Gum Disease – You have severe gum disease and your gum tissue and jaw are no longer able to adequately support the tooth.
• Overcrowding – Your tooth is growing in crooked and exerting pressure on neighboring teeth.
• Baby Tooth  –  When a baby tooth doesn’t fall out naturally on its own.

What To Expect During A Tooth Extraction

What to expect during a tooth extraction varies depending on whether you’re receiving a simple or surgical extraction.

Simple Extraction

During a simple extraction, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. Your dental provider will wait 10 to 15 minutes for the anesthetic to kick in before beginning the procedure. Then, a dental tool called an elevator will be used to loosen the tooth from the gum socket. Once loose, forceps will be used to carefully lift the tooth from the gums. Finally, gauze will be placed in the socket to stop bleeding. A simple extraction is quick — the whole procedure may only take a minute or two. While you might feel slight pressure, you shouldn’t experience any pain.

Surgical Extraction

A surgical extraction is a bit more complicated. Depending on the reason for the surgical extraction, you may be given general anesthesia, sedation dentistry, local anesthetic, or a combination of the three to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the entire process.

A small incision might need to be made in the gums to remove an impacted tooth. In some cases, the tooth might need to be broken into pieces to fully remove it from the jaw. While this might sound intimidating, it’s very common and you shouldn’t feel any pain. Once the tooth is removed, you’ll receive stitches to help your gums heal quickly.

In both cases, you’ll need to carefully follow your provider’s instructions to minimize the risk of infection, nerve damage, or dry socket. You might experience soreness and swelling for a few days or a few weeks. It’s very important to stick to soft foods and avoid smoking until the gums have fully healed.

Why Patients Can Trust Dr. Beauchamp For Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable experience. Dr. Stuart Beauchamp at Ormond Beach Periodontics is one of the very best at performing simple and surgical extractions, and he’s been doing it for several years. Dr. Beauchamp is widely considered one of the best periodontists in Central Florida.

Ormond Beach Periodontics also offers a serene office environment that instantly puts patients at ease. From our hand-crafted leather chairs to the office views of our beautiful outdoor garden, our goal is to make sure you’re comfortable for the duration of your time in our office.

If you think you might need to have a tooth extracted, give us a call at Ormond Beach Periodontics today. Dr Beauchamp will conduct a full evaluation and determine if an extraction is necessary. If it is, you can expect an easy and comfortable experience at our practice. Dr. Beauchamp will also work with you to determine the best long-term solution to replace your missing tooth.