Tooth Extraction

At Millersville Family Dentistry, tooth extractions are never our first choice. However, tooth extraction may be necessary to mitigate worsening complications and protect adjacent teeth and overall oral health in cases of severe trauma, decay, or infection. Moreover, the tooth extraction procedure is commonly used to address overcrowding in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

When restorative care is not possible, it’s time to consider a tooth extraction. Failing to remove irreversibly damaged or decayed teeth leaves the surrounding teeth and gums vulnerable to many oral health complications. Additionally, overlooking tooth extractions related to advanced gum disease can elevate the risk of systemic health concerns.

Depending on the position of the tooth, there are two types of tooth extraction procedures that may be used. When the targeted tooth is fully erupted, we employ a minimally invasive procedure known as a simple extraction. In contrast, impacted teeth that are partially or fully concealed by the gumline must be removed using surgical extraction.

At Millersville Family Dentistry, we empower patients to make the right choice for their oral health by providing insight on what to expect from the tooth extraction procedure. Our process begins with a comprehensive oral assessment. This enables us to evaluate the scope of the damage and develop a simple or surgical extraction plan.

When the targeted tooth is fully erupted and visible, we employ a simple extraction procedure. To eliminate discomfort, we numb the treatment site using a local anesthetic. We then use a special dental instrument known as an elevator to gently loosen the tooth from its socket and carefully remove it using forceps.

Surgical tooth extractions are commonly used to remove wisdom teeth. Patients are provided with local anesthetic and the option for sedation dentistry. This procedure involves creating a small incision in the gumline to access the impacted tooth. We then remove the tooth using forceps and carefully suture the surgical site to protect the gum tissue and bone.

Tooth extractions are well-tolerated by most patients. If you opted for sedation dentistry, we ask that you have a responsible adult drive you home. Once the anesthetic wears off, you may experience some discomfort. You may take over-the-counter or prescription pain medication as directed, use cold compresses to alleviate swelling and discomfort, and you should prioritize rest.

As the extraction heals, a blood clot will form to protect against infection. Be careful when brushing your teeth, stick to soft foods, and rinse following meals for the first week of recovery to mitigate aggravating the extraction site. We also advise patients to refrain from using straws, smoking, and engaging in physical activity for a few days.