Extractions

The most common reasons for tooth loss include advanced periodontal disease, extensive tooth decay, and facial trauma. According to statistics, gum disease is responsible for close to 70% of tooth loss in adults. Although less frequent than the preceding three reasons, it should also be noted that specific diseases, drugs, smoking, and poor nutrition contribute to the risk of tooth loss.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in the United States, an average of 12 teeth (including the wisdom teeth) are lost by the age of 50. Also, 26% of adults between 65 and 74 years of age have lost all their teeth.

Every patient and every situation is different. However, when a tooth and the surrounding tissues are numbed with a local anesthetic, you should only expect to feel a bit of pressure, but no pain as the tooth is being loosened from the surrounding tissues and extracted. For patients who are apprehensive and for some surgical extractions, our office will discuss our options in dental sedation to provide further relaxation and reduce any sense of discomfort.

While it's normal to feel some tenderness and swelling following an extraction, the degree of these sensations can vary. It mostly depends on the complexity of the extraction and the body's response to the procedure. We'll recommend or prescribe the appropriate pain medication to help ensure your comfort and give you specific instructions for maximum effectiveness and safety.

Typically, the recovery period following a simple extraction is shorter than a surgical extraction. However, a patient's overall health, habits, the size and location of the tooth, and other variables can influence recovery and healing. To speed up the recovery and avoid any complications, patients must follow the given at-home instructions diligently. We'll carefully review what to expect following your procedure and go over your post-op instructions.

Smoking interferes with blood clot formation, which is an essential first step in the healing process. Blood clot formation not only provides a protective layer to cover the underlying exposed bone and nerve endings, but it also supports the growth of new tissue. Cigarette smoke also contains chemical toxins that can disrupt the healing process and lead to problems such as continued inflammation, infection, or dry socket.

In a very small percentage of cases, a condition known as dry socket can develop in the aftermath of a dental extraction. This painful condition can arise when the blood clot in the extraction site doesn't form properly or gets dislodged. With dry socket, you may experience throbbing pain and symptoms such as bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. As skilled providers of care, our office will provide immediate treatment to alleviate your discomfort and promote healing.

The last teeth in your mouth to develop, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully erupt or may be positioned in the wrong direction. These issues can affect your dental health as well as overall wellbeing. While some individuals never develop all their wisdom teeth, and a few have sufficient space for them, there are many people with partially or fully impacted third molars. Our office will monitor the development, position, and health of your wisdom teeth and will advise you if and when extractions are indicated.

After a tooth is removed, bone-grafting material is sometimes placed in the socket to promote healing and encourage new bone development. This procedure is often performed to support the eventual and successful placement of a dental implant.

At the office of Artistic Family Dental, we strive to make dental care affordable and accessible. Depending on the type or complexity of the extraction and other variables, the cost of the procedure can vary. Based on our diagnostic findings, our office will inform you of the healthiest choices in care, explain the fees, discuss insurance coverage, and explain your payment options.

Many dental plans offer some level of coverage for tooth extractions. We'll advise you if your plan covers the full cost of the procedure and if there is any out-of-pocket expense. Our business office will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits as much as possible while helping you minimize any out-of-pocket expenses.

Preserving a natural tooth is always the first goal, but extraction becomes necessary when a tooth compromises oral health. Typical reasons include extensive decay that cannot be restored, severe fracture, or advanced periodontal disease that has damaged supporting bone. We also consider extractions when a retained primary tooth blocks the eruption of a permanent tooth or when orthodontic treatment requires space.

Third molars frequently lack room to erupt properly and can become impacted, infected, or harmful to neighboring teeth. Early removal may prevent future pain, decay, or damage to adjacent teeth when eruption patterns suggest trouble. Your dentist will use imaging and clinical evaluation to determine if monitoring or removal is the best plan.

Before an extraction we review your medical history, current medications, and any conditions that could affect healing. Digital radiographs or CBCT scans help us visualize root anatomy and nearby structures that influence the approach. If you take blood thinners or have cardiac or bleeding conditions, we coordinate with your physician to plan safe management.

If you plan to use sedation, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours and to arrange transportation home. Wear comfortable clothing and let us know about allergies or recent illnesses on the day of the procedure. At Artistic Family Dental we will review post-operative instructions ahead of time so you know what to expect and can prepare soft foods and supplies.

Routine extractions typically begin with local anesthesia to numb the area and ensure minimal discomfort. Once numb, the dentist gently loosens the tooth and uses specially designed instruments to remove it while protecting surrounding bone and tissue. The process is controlled and often completed quickly for teeth with straightforward root anatomy.

After removal we place gauze to help a clot form, provide instructions to control bleeding, and discuss pain management. Sutures are used when necessary and are removed or monitored at a follow-up visit. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days when they follow recommended care.

Surgical extractions are used when a tooth cannot be removed intact, such as when it is broken at the gumline or impacted beneath bone. This approach may involve a small incision, careful removal of bone, and sectioning the tooth to retrieve it safely. Surgical cases require more time and often additional local or sedative anesthesia to maintain comfort.

For particularly complex cases we may refer or coordinate care with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure the highest level of surgical expertise. Your treatment plan will explain the rationale for a surgical approach and set realistic expectations for recovery and follow-up. With appropriate technique and post‑operative care, most surgical extractions heal predictably.

No, wisdom teeth are not always removed; the decision depends on eruption patterns, symptoms, and the risk they pose to adjacent teeth. If third molars are fully erupted, functional, and can be kept clean, monitoring may be appropriate. When impaction, recurrent infections, decay, or crowding are present, removal is often recommended to prevent future problems.

Imaging helps identify impacted roots and their relation to nerves or sinuses, which influences timing and technique. Some patients benefit from early removal to reduce the chance of more complicated surgery later in life. We individualize the recommendation based on your oral health and long‑term goals.

Local anesthesia is used in nearly all extractions to block pain at the site, but additional sedation can help patients who are anxious or undergoing complex procedures. Options commonly include nitrous oxide for mild relaxation, oral sedatives for moderate relief, and intravenous sedation for deeper comfort when indicated. Each method has different preparation and monitoring requirements, and our team will recommend the safest choice for your needs.

We review your medical history and current medications to select an appropriate sedation plan and ensure safe monitoring during the procedure. Some sedative options require fasting and a responsible adult to drive you home afterward. Discuss sedation preferences and concerns during your visit so we can tailor care to keep you calm and comfortable.

The first 24 to 48 hours are critical for clot formation and control of bleeding and swelling. You can expect some bleeding, mild to moderate discomfort, and swelling that peaks within the first day or two. Applying ice intermittently and following analgesic instructions helps manage symptoms while the tissues begin to heal.

Stick to soft foods, avoid vigorous rinsing, and be careful when brushing near the surgical site to protect the clot. Avoid smoking, straws, and strenuous activity for several days as these actions increase the risk of complications. If you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain that worsens after a few days, or signs of infection, contact the office promptly.

A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is dislodged or fails to form, exposing bone and nerve endings and causing severe pain. To reduce this risk, avoid actions that create suction or disturb the site, such as using a straw, spitting forcefully, or smoking. Follow the gauze and oral hygiene instructions closely and take medications as directed to support proper healing.

If your clinician prescribes antibiotics or a medicated dressing, use them exactly as directed to lower infection risk. Attend any scheduled follow-up so we can monitor healing and intervene early if a complication arises. Persistent or worsening pain, fever, or unusual drainage should prompt immediate contact with the dental team.

Replacement timing depends on the extraction site, presence of infection, bone quality, and the restorative option you choose. Some patients are candidates for immediate provisional restorations or immediate implant placement, which can preserve bone and soft tissue. In other cases, a period of healing of several weeks to months improves outcomes before placing a definitive restoration.

Common replacement options include dental implants, fixed bridges, and removable partial dentures, each with specific benefits and maintenance needs. When implants are planned, we assess bone volume and may recommend bone grafting or staged treatment to achieve predictable results. Your dentist will outline the timing, sequence, and aftercare for the solution that best supports function and long‑term health.

Artistic Family Dental combines clinical expertise, evidence-based protocols, and modern diagnostic tools to plan extractions that protect surrounding structures and long-term oral health. Our team emphasizes conservative decision-making, clear communication, and individualized treatment pathways to minimize risks and support predictable recovery. When a surgical approach is needed, we coordinate with specialists to ensure complex cases receive appropriate care.

We prioritize patient comfort with effective anesthesia and sedation options and provide detailed aftercare guidance to support smooth healing. Follow-up visits ensure sutures are managed and that restoration planning proceeds when appropriate. If you have questions or would like an evaluation for extractions and restorative options, contact the office to schedule a consultation.