The idea of having a tooth extracted can be frightening. Our experienced team is here to support you throughout the process and make sure you are comfortable at every stage. Our oral surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Kesecker, uses advanced technology and techniques to perform smooth and successful extraction procedures.
What is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction (dental extraction) is a routine dental treatment performed by a general dentist or other dental professional. The process involves removing a diseased, damaged, or infected tooth from its socket in the jaw.
Pulling a tooth is usually the last resort after all other options, such as fillings, crowns, or root canals, have been explored.
There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical.
A simple extraction is when the tooth is visible above the gum line and can be easily accessed and removed. Most dentists are equipped to handle simple extractions.
A surgical extraction is a more complex procedure. It involves making an incision in the gum to access the tooth, which may need to be broken into smaller pieces for removal.
Oral surgeons are more qualified to do surgical extractions. They have more sedation options and the technology needed to perform complex surgical extractions.
If you are planning to replace the tooth with a dental implant, an oral surgeon is the best option for tooth extraction. They will plan the surgery to accommodate a dental implant and prepare the tooth socket for an implant. In some cases, the implant can be placed on the same day as the extraction.
If you require surgical extraction, your dentist may recommend oral surgeons in the area. If you would like your dentist to refer you to Legacy Surgery, have them fill out our referral form. Alternatively, you can call and book an appointment at our Harrisonburg or Staunton location.
Talk to a treatment coordinator
(540) 437-1230
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
Dentists make every effort to preserve natural teeth, but there are certain situations where extractions are necessary. Some common reasons for this dental procedure include:
- Severe decay: When a tooth is decayed beyond repair.
- Periodontal disease: Advanced gum disease that affects surrounding structures.
- Broken teeth: Teeth that are fractured and cannot be repaired.
- Impacted teeth: Teeth that are blocked from properly emerging, like wisdom teeth.
- Orthodontic treatment: To make space for aligning other teeth.
- Preparation for dental implants: Removing damaged teeth to place implants.
- Risk of infection: Teeth that are potential sources of infection must be removed.
Signs Your Tooth Needs To Be Removed
Any time you experience tooth pain or discomfort, you should see your dentist for an evaluation. Only a dental professional can determine if extraction is necessary. Some signs that may indicate the need for tooth extraction include:
- Pain: Persistent pain or discomfort in and around the affected tooth.
- Infection: Swelling, redness, or pus surrounding the affected area.
- Difficulty chewing: Difficulty eating due to pain or discomfort when biting down on food.
- Bad breath: Caused by severe decay or infection in the tooth.
Ignoring tooth pain, infection, or any other signs can lead to severe complications. Studies have shown that untreated dental infections can spread to other parts of the body. This can lead to a number of systemic diseases, including diabetes, pneumonia, and cardiovascular disease.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
Before the Procedure
You will have a consultation with Dr. Kesecker to discuss your dental and medical history. He will use advanced diagnostic tools to assess the tooth’s condition and plan the extraction. He will also discuss sedation options with you. We offer various sedation options for your comfort, including:
- Local anesthesia: An injection that numbs the tooth and gums surrounding it.
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): A mild sedative inhaled through a mask to help you relax.
- Oral conscious sedation: A pill taken an hour before the surgery to make you drowsy and relaxed.
- IV sedation: Sedatives are administered through a vein in your arm to induce a state of deep relaxation.
- General anesthesia: A combination of intravenous drugs and inhaled gases that put you into deep sleep.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
The procedure itself is relatively straightforward and can be completed in one visit.
Steps for Simple Extraction:
- Anesthetic: Local anesthesia will be used to numb the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue so that you do not feel pain during the procedure.
- Loosening the tooth: The tooth is gently rocked back and forth with special dental instruments to loosen it from the periodontal ligament and the socket.
- Extraction: Once sufficiently loosened, the tooth is carefully lifted out using forceps. A gauze pad is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help a blood clot form.
Steps for Surgical Extraction:
- Sedation: Local anesthesia and sedation (if needed) are administered.
- Incision: A small incision is made in the gum tissue to access the tooth.
- Extraction: In some cases, it may be necessary to remove a small amount of bone surrounding the tooth. If the tooth is impacted or broken, it may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. The tooth or its fragments are carefully removed.
- Stitches: The incision may be closed with dissolvable stitches to promote healing. A gauze pad will be placed over the surgical site to aid in clot formation.
Post-Surgery Care
You can expect some swelling and pain in the extraction area for around 1–4 days after the surgery. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the extraction site at home. Follow these instructions carefully. Some general tips include:
- After 30 minutes, remove the gauze pad. If bleeding continues, apply a sterile gauze pack to the area and bite down firmly for 20 minutes. Repeat as needed with gauze or wet teabags wrapped in gauze.
- Apply an ice pack to the face for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes, repeating this cycle for the first 24 hours after surgery.
- Elevate your head with pillows while sleeping to help reduce swelling.
- Take prescribed pain relief and antibiotics as directed.
- Take it easy a few days after surgery and avoid strenuous activities.
- Avoid smoking, vaping, and using a straw for two weeks post-surgery as it can delay healing and increase the risk of complications such as dry sockets.
- Eat soft foods that do not require a lot of chewing, such as soups, smoothies, jello, and mashed potatoes. Gradually add solid foods as the extraction site heals.
- After surgery, avoid rinsing your mouth for at least six hours. Then, rinse gently with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt to an 8-ounce glass of warm water) 4–5 times a day for several days.
- Do not brush your teeth at the surgical site for 24 hours after surgery. After that, you can gently brush with toothpaste. Good oral hygiene will help to prevent infection.
What Are the Risks of Tooth Extraction?
While tooth extraction is a standard and safe procedure, some risks are associated with it. These include:
- Dry socket: When the blood clot at the extraction site fails to form or becomes dislodged, it exposes the underlying bone and nerves.
- Infection: Bacteria can enter the surgical site and lead to an infection. Signs of infection include fever, swelling, and pain that worsens after a few days.
- Nerve damage: In rare cases, the extraction can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, chin, or cheek.
- Sinus complications: Tooth extractions in the upper jaw may cause sinus problems if the tooth’s roots are close to the sinus cavity.
Dentists can perform simple tooth extractions, but oral surgeons have additional specialized training to manage and prevent the potential risks of surgical procedures.
You should contact your oral surgeon if you experience persistent bleeding, excessive pain or swelling, fever, difficulty opening your mouth, or any other concerns. We are always here to address any post-surgery questions or complications.
Why Choose Legacy Surgery?
Dr. Kesecker is an expert in extractions, particularly wisdom teeth removal, and performs these types of surgeries on a daily basis.
- Experience: Our team is experienced in performing tooth extractions using the latest techniques and technology. Our board-certified oral surgeon has completed extensive training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He stays up-to-date with advancements in the field to provide the best patient care.
- Individualized treatment: We recognize that each patient is unique and customize our approach to meet your specific needs for a successful outcome. All patients receive personalized, caring, and exceptional treatment at Legacy Surgery.
- State-of-the-art facility: Our practice has the most recent advanced diagnostic tools and sedation options. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities.
Trust Legacy Surgery for Tooth Extraction in Harrisonburg, VA
When you choose an experienced oral surgeon for your tooth extraction, you’re making the best decision for your dental health.
If you need a tooth extracted or have been advised to have your wisdom teeth removed, we are here to help. Our team at Legacy Surgery is committed to providing personalized care in a comfortable and safe environment.
Dr. Kesecker’s wealth of expertise in oral surgery, paired with our cutting-edge technology and patient-centered approach, guarantees the utmost standard of care.
If you are in the Shenandoah Valley and are searching for an ‘oral surgeon in Harrisonburg, VA,’ an ‘oral surgeon in Staunton,’ or an ‘oral surgeon near me,’ we can help.
To book an appointment, call our treatment coordinator at (540) 437-1230 for our Harrisonburg location or (540) 213-8750 for our Staunton location.
FAQ
How long does it take to recover from tooth extraction?
The recovery time depends on the type of extraction and will vary from person to person, but you can expect to feel back to normal after a week. However, complete healing of the extraction site takes around 3–4 weeks.
Is tooth extraction painful?
During the procedure, you will not feel any pain as we administer local anesthesia to numb the area. After the surgery, you may experience some discomfort and swelling that can be managed with prescribed pain relief medication.
How long after a tooth extraction can I eat?
We recommend waiting at least an hour before eating after the extraction. You want to make sure all the numbing has worn off before you eat. Once the numbing has worn off, gradually introduce soft foods into your diet and avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for a few days.
What is the most common complication of tooth extraction?
The most common complication is dry socket, which occurs in about 1-3% of tooth extractions. You can prevent dry sockets from happening by not smoking, vaping, spitting, rinsing vigorously, or drinking through a straw. It is essential to follow post-operative instructions carefully and contact your oral surgeon if you experience any concerning symptoms.