A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This procedure is performed when a tooth cannot be saved through other dental treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy. Extractions can be simple, where the tooth is visible above the gum line, or surgical, where the tooth is broken at the gum line or hasn't erupted. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.

Dental extractions may be necessary for several reasons:

• Severe tooth decay that has destroyed too much tooth structure to repair
• Advanced gum disease causing tooth looseness
• Dental trauma resulting in irreparable damage
• Impacted wisdom teeth causing pain or crowding
• Orthodontic treatment requiring space creation
• Infection that doesn't respond to root canal treatment
• Overcrowding in the mouth
• Preparation for dentures or other prosthetics

Dr. Preston will always try to save natural teeth first, but extraction becomes necessary when other treatments won't work.

There are two main types of dental extractions:

Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth and can be removed with dental forceps after loosening with an elevator instrument. These are typically done under local anesthesia.

Surgical extractions are more complex procedures required for teeth that are broken at the gum line, haven't erupted, or are impacted. These may require incisions in the gum, bone removal, or tooth sectioning, and are often performed by oral surgeons under local or general anesthesia.

During the extraction procedure, you should feel no pain due to local anesthesia numbing the area. You may feel pressure, pushing, or pulling sensations, but not pain.

After the procedure, some discomfort is normal as the anesthesia wears off. Pain typically peaks within the first 24-48 hours and gradually decreases. Most patients can manage post-extraction pain with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Prescription pain medication may be provided for more complex extractions.

Following post-operative instructions helps minimize pain and promote healing.

During a dental extraction:

• Dr. Preston will first administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth
• For simple extractions, Dr. Preston uses an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it from the socket
• For surgical extractions, an incision may be made in the gum, and the tooth may be sectioned into pieces for easier removal
• The procedure typically takes 15-45 minutes depending on complexity
• You'll receive gauze to bite down on to control bleeding
• Post-operative instructions for care will be provided

Most patients can drive home after simple extractions with local anesthesia.

To prepare for a dental extraction:

• Inform Dr. Preston of all medications, supplements, and medical conditions, especially blood thinners or heart conditions that may require antibiotic prophylaxis
• Arrange transportation if receiving sedation beyond local anesthesia
• Eat a good meal before the procedure since you may have dietary restrictions afterward
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
• Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours before the procedure as it impairs healing
• If you're anxious, discuss sedation options with Dr. Preston
• Follow any specific pre-operative instructions provided by your dental team

Recovery from dental extraction typically follows this timeline:

First 24 hours: Bleeding control by biting on gauze, taking prescribed pain medication, applying ice packs to reduce swelling, and eating only soft foods.

Days 2-3: Gradual reduction in pain and swelling, with continued soft diet and gentle salt water rinses.

Days 4-7: Significant improvement with return to normal diet as tolerated.

Complete healing of the extraction site takes 1-2 weeks for simple extractions and 3-4 weeks for surgical extractions. Following post-operative instructions is crucial for proper healing and preventing complications like dry socket.

After dental extraction, stick to a soft food diet for the first few days:

First 24 hours include liquids and very soft foods like:

• Smoothies, yogurt, pudding, ice cream
• Soup (lukewarm, not hot)
• Mashed potatoes and applesauce

Days 2-7 can include:

• Soft pasta, scrambled eggs, soft fish
• Oatmeal, bananas, and cooked vegetables

Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or very hot foods that could irritate the extraction site. Don't use straws as the suction can dislodge the blood clot. Gradually return to your normal diet as healing progresses and comfort allows.

To control bleeding after extraction:

• Bite down firmly on the gauze pad placed over the extraction site for 30-45 minutes
• Replace gauze as needed if bleeding continues
• If bleeding persists, place a damp tea bag over the site and bite down for 30 minutes - the tannins in tea help clotting
• Keep your head elevated, even when sleeping
• Avoid spitting, rinsing vigorously, or using straws for 24 hours as these can dislodge the clot

Some oozing is normal for 24-48 hours. Contact Dr. Preston if heavy bleeding continues beyond the first day or if you're concerned about the amount of bleeding.

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site dissolves or becomes dislodged before healing is complete, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. This causes severe pain typically starting 2-3 days after extraction.

To prevent dry socket:

• Avoid smoking, spitting, or using straws for at least 72 hours after extraction
• Don't rinse vigorously for the first 24 hours
• Avoid hard or sticky foods
• Take prescribed antibiotics as directed
• Maintain gentle oral hygiene

Risk factors include smoking, birth control pills, poor oral hygiene, and previous dry socket episodes. Treatment involves cleaning the socket and placing medicated dressing.

You can resume brushing your teeth the day after extraction, but with special care:

• Avoid brushing directly over the extraction site for the first week
• Brush gently around the area without disturbing the blood clot
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid vigorous brushing motions
• Don't use mouthwash or rinse vigorously for the first 24 hours

After 24 hours, you can gently rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) several times daily. Gradually return to normal brushing as the site heals, typically after 7-10 days.

Dental extraction costs vary significantly based on several factors:

• Simple extractions typically cost less than surgical extractions
• Location and complexity of the tooth affect pricing
• Geographic location influences overall costs
• Wisdom tooth extractions are often more expensive, especially if impacted

Additional costs may include X-rays, sedation, and post-operative medications. Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of extraction costs, typically 70-80% for basic extractions. Many dental offices offer payment plans or financing options. Emergency extractions may have additional fees.

While dental extractions are generally safe, potential risks and complications include:

• Dry socket, which causes severe pain when the blood clot is lost
• Infection at the extraction site requiring antibiotic treatment
• Nerve damage that can cause temporary or permanent numbness
• Sinus complications during upper tooth extractions
• Excessive bleeding in patients on blood thinners
• Damage to adjacent teeth or restorations
• Incomplete tooth removal requiring additional surgery

Serious complications are rare when performed by experienced dentists. Following post-operative instructions significantly reduces the risk of complications. Contact Dr. Preston immediately if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, signs of infection, or numbness that persists.

You should avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after dental extraction, and ideally for a full week. Smoking significantly increases the risk of dry socket because the suction from inhaling can dislodge the blood clot protecting the extraction site.

Additionally, smoking:

• Reduces blood flow to the area, impairing healing
• Increases infection risk
• Contains chemicals that can irritate the extraction site and delay healing

If you must smoke, wait at least 72 hours and try to minimize the amount. This is also an excellent opportunity to quit smoking entirely, as it will improve your overall oral and general health.

Contact Dr. Preston immediately if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn't improve with prescribed pain medication or gets worse after 2-3 days
• Heavy bleeding that doesn't stop after applying pressure with gauze for 30 minutes
• Signs of infection including fever, chills, foul taste, or pus drainage
• Numbness or tingling that persists beyond the expected time for anesthesia to wear off
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Excessive swelling that continues to worsen after 48 hours
• If you accidentally dislodge stitches

It's better to call with concerns rather than wait, as early intervention can prevent more serious complications.

Wisdom tooth extractions involve removing the third molars, typically performed in late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth often need extraction because there isn't enough room in the mouth, causing impaction, crowding, or difficulty cleaning.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause:

• Pain and infection
• Cysts or damage to adjacent teeth
• Crowding of other teeth

The procedure may be simple if teeth are fully erupted, or surgical if they're impacted below the gum line or in the bone. Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction typically takes 7-10 days, with swelling and discomfort peaking around day 2-3. Many people