Extractions, or having a tooth pulled, is sometimes necessary if the tooth is too decayed or broken to be restored with a filling or crown. There are many different options to replace an extracted tooth including crowns, bridges, implants, or partial dentures. Another option is to not replace the missing tooth. If you do not replace the tooth, however, you will have a risk of bone loss in the area, which can affect any future restorations. You also risk having the surrounding teeth move to fill in the space.

What to expect during an extraction:

Before a tooth is extracted, you and your dentist should discuss all the possible options of restoring the tooth. If an extraction is still the best choice, you will be given different options of replacing the missing tooth. 

During the extraction appointment, you will be given local anethesia. We will make the procedure as comfortable as possible for you. After the tooth is removed, you will be given post-extraction instructions. A small amount of bleeding is normal, and we will send you home with some gauze. We advise against smoking, drinking through a straw, or rinsing your mouth for 24 hours after the extraction. Doing so may dislodge the blood clot in your socket and delay healing. For pain or swelling, apply a cold cloth or bag of ice to your cheeck. If you need pain medication, consult with your dentist.

What is dry socket?

Dry socket is something that can occasionally occur after an extraction. A dry socket happens when the blood clot in the socket becomes dislodged or disolves in some way, leaving the bone and nerves in the socket exposed to air, water, and food debris. This can cause pain and discomfort. Fortunately, it is easily treated. Consult with your dentist, and they can clean out the dry socket and prescribe you any medications they deem necessary.