Tooth Extractions

Portage tooth extraction Tooth extractions remove problematic or unnecessary teeth to help build a healthier smile in the future. If you or one of your children is in need of an extraction, you can be confident that our team will provide you with everything necessary to make it a pleasant process.

When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

There is a wide variety of reasons an extraction may be recommended by your dentist. Some of the most common include:
  • Impacted tooth – An impacted tooth erupts at an angle, rather than straight through the gums. This may lead to the tooth only erupting partly (with some still covered by the gums), applying pressure to neighboring teeth, causing discomfort, and making the area more difficult to clean properly. Wisdom teeth most often fall into this category.
  • Advanced decay – If a tooth has experienced significant decay, it may not be possible to restore it with a crown or a root canal. Extracting the tooth will provide a fresh start. This is the case for some abscessed teeth as well.
  • Trauma – Injury or other trauma to a tooth can lead to the need for extraction.
  • Crowding – In some cases, there may not be enough room in the mouth and extraction of teeth will allow for healthy growth. This may be recommended by your child’s orthodontist to create enough space for orthodontic treatment.
There are two types of extractions, simple extractions and surgical extractions. Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible (have erupted) and can be easily removed. Surgical extractions take place when a tooth hasn’t erupted or hasn’t fully erupted, and the removal of bone or gum tissue will be necessary. Wisdom tooth extraction is typically surgical as wisdom teeth are so often impacted.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are also known as third molars, and are the last permanent teeth to erupt. Most individuals find their wisdom teeth erupting when they are between 17-25 years old. Some people don’t develop wisdom teeth, others may have between 1-4. Many wisdom teeth present issues ranging from impaction to discomfort. We take comprehensive x-rays to determine whether a patient’s teeth may pose issues. Most patients opt to have their wisdom teeth removed at the end of their teens, to better avoid potential issues that may appear in the future. If you or your teen are experiencing any of these concerns, it’s likely that wisdom tooth extraction would be beneficial:
  • Food becoming trapped behind wisdom teeth
  • Gum disease or tooth infection
  • Decay in an impacted tooth
  • Nearby molars or bone tissue becoming damaged
  • Cyst around a wisdom tooth
  • Orthodontic treatment complications relating to the third molars
During surgical tooth extraction, the gums are cut open so that the tooth is visible. Your dentist loosens the tooth until it can be lifted out. Impacted teeth may need to be removed in pieces. Sutures will be placed so that the area heals quickly and safely.

After Your Tooth Extraction

After surgical tooth extraction, rest needs to be a priority. Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home as sedation will take time to wear off. Limit your activities for the rest of the day, and wait at least two hours before eating to allow the anesthesia to fade and avoid accidentally biting your cheek. The extraction site will bleed slightly; change the gauze at the site when it becomes soaked. Contact us if bleeding continues after 24 hours. Prop your head up when lying down to help stop the bleeding. Take any prescribed pain medication as directed, and use an ice pack as needed. Dr. Khaghany-Duffy may also provide a special cleaning solution for the extraction site. You should eat only soft foods for several days after surgery, including:
  • Jello
  • Pudding
  • Yogurt
  • Applesauce
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Ice cream
  • Soups
  • Other foods that don’t require chewing
It’s important that you avoid using a straw, as the sucking pressure can loosen sutures and prolong bleeding. Also avoid any tobacco use as this delays healing. If you’re experiencing prolonged discomfort or bleeding, get in touch.