Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction is a dental procedure involving the careful removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone, typically due to decay, damage, crowding, or infection. It relieves discomfort and creates a healthy foundation for future dental work. 

At Hampden Ave Dental, we understand that the thought of a tooth extraction can be intimidating. That’s why we provide gentle, expert care to make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Whether you’re dealing with severe tooth pain, wisdom tooth complications, or a damaged tooth, our team uses the latest techniques and technology to ensure your procedure is efficient, effective, and focused on your comfort.

As far as possible, we strive to preserve your natural teeth. However, sometimes an extraction is the healthiest option. 

You may need a tooth removed if you’re experiencing:

• Severe Decay or Infection: When a tooth is damaged beyond what a root canal or filling can repair, removing it can stop the infection from spreading and alleviate persistent pain.
• Advanced Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Gum disease can cause teeth to become loose. In some cases, removing these teeth becomes necessary to protect your overall oral health.
• Overcrowding: Sometimes, teeth are extracted as part of an orthodontic treatment plan to create space for proper alignment.
• Impacted or Problematic Wisdom Teeth: If your wisdom teeth are impacted (trapped beneath the gums), partially erupted, or causing pain or crowding, they may need to be removed.
• Fractured or Broken Teeth: Traumatic injuries or cracks below the gum line can make a tooth non-restorable, requiring extraction.

We perform tooth extractions with a focus on your comfort and overall oral health. Based on your condition and the tooth's position, we recommend the most appropriate extraction method to ensure a safe, effective, and stress-free experience.

A simple extraction is used when the tooth is fully visible in the mouth and can be easily accessed. After numbing the area with local anesthesia, we will gently remove the tooth using an elevator and dental forceps. 

An elevator is first used to loosen the tooth from the surrounding tissue. Then, dental forceps are used to carefully grasp the tooth and apply steady, controlled pressure. 

By gradually rocking the tooth back and forth, the periodontal ligament is stretched and broken down, allowing the tooth to separate from the bone and be safely removed. This process is typically quick and relatively painless.

Surgical extractions are required for teeth that have not fully erupted or are broken at or below the gum line, such as with wisdom teeth. These procedures involve making a small cut in the gum and sometimes removing a bit of bone. In some cases, the tooth is gently broken into smaller pieces to make it easier and safer to take out.

Our skilled specialist performs surgical extractions at our sister clinic with precision and care, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure.

Our team understands that having a tooth removed can feel like a big step. That’s why we take the time to walk you through every step of the extraction process, explain your options, and answer all of your questions to help you feel confident and informed.

Here’s what you can typically expect during a tooth extraction:

• Comprehensive Evaluation: During your initial appointment, our dentists perform a detailed examination, review your dental history, and take digital X-rays to assess the tooth’s position and condition. We then walk you through the treatment options and explain why extraction may be necessary.
• Preparing for the Procedure: On the day of your procedure, we walk you through the steps, answer any last-minute questions, and ensure you are comfortable. Local anesthesia is administered to completely numb the area and minimize any pain during the procedure.
• Gentle Removal Technique: Once anesthesia has taken effect, we carefully remove the tooth with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissue using advanced tools and a gentle approach. 
• Post-Removal Care: After the tooth is removed, we place gauze over the site to control bleeding and encourage clot formation. In some cases, stitches may be placed to help the area heal properly. We will monitor you for a short period before you can head home.

After the procedure, you will receive clear, customized aftercare instructions to promote a fast recovery.

Although most patients can resume their normal activities within 48 to 72 hours, full healing of the jawbone typically takes several weeks. Our team provides detailed instructions for aftercare at home.

Right After the Procedure

• Reduce swelling and discomfort by applying an ice pack to the outside of your face in 15-minute intervals.
• Take all medications as prescribed, including pain relievers or antibiotics if recommended.
• Keep the gauze in place as directed to help stop bleeding and encourage a proper clot to form.

First 24–72 Hours

• Protect the blood clot by avoiding actions that could dislodge it, like rinsing vigorously, using straws, smoking, or spitting excessively. 
• Eat soft, cool foods such as yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.
• Limit physical activity, as heavy lifting or vigorous movement can increase bleeding or delay healing.

Ongoing Recovery (Days 3–7)

• Keep the area clean by gently rinsing it with warm salt water.
• Watch for signs of infection, such as increasing pain, swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth. 
• Attend follow-up visits with our providers to ensure your extraction site is healing properly.

After having a tooth extraction, it’s important to consider your replacement options. Leaving a gap in your smile can lead to shifting of other teeth, bite problems, jawbone loss, and difficulty chewing. 

At Hampden Ave Dental, we offer several long-term solutions to restore your smile:

• Dental Implants: Implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots and support crowns, bridges, or dentures.
• Dental Bridges: A bridge fills the gap by anchoring a prosthetic tooth between two healthy teeth (or implants). 
• Dentures: Dentures are removable appliances made to replace multiple missing teeth and surrounding tissues.

We help you choose the best fit for your dental needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Whether you need a planned extraction or are experiencing sudden, severe tooth pain, we offer prompt dental care to provide fast, effective relief. Our team ensures your tooth extraction procedure is as gentle and stress-free as possible.

To schedule a consultation for a tooth extraction, please call us at 303-985-1263 or request an appointment online.