Tooth Extractions
You and Dr. Bobo may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), have a root canal that has failed, or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
Teeth with deep cavities can often develop severe pain and swelling in your mouth as well as your face. Teeth that are infected (abscessed) and causing facial swelling need to be removed as soon as possible and the infection drained by an oral surgeon.
The removal of teeth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.
To avoid these complications, Dr. Bobo will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement options for the extracted tooth.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Extraction of teeth is most comfortably performed under IV anesthesia in the majority of cases. However, Dr. Bobo will discuss other anesthesia options with you, including nitrous oxide and local anesthesia. Most teeth that are extracted will have dissolvable stitches placed. They usually stay from 3 to 7 days before dissolving or falling out. The socket may still be open (even with stitches) until the socket has completely healed. Discomfort in the area of extraction is expected during the first 1-3 days, but may be sore for a week or more, depending on the difficulty of extraction. Teeth that have had root canal treatment tend to be more difficult to extract and take longer to heal.
Dr. Bobo can remove anywhere from 1 up to 32 teeth at one appointment, depending on your needs. He will also make every effort to make sure that the socket(s) that is left is smooth and does not have any sharp edges. If, however, you experience sharp bone around the site of extraction, we are happy to see you back to address this issue that sometimes does occur as the socket is healing.
After Tooth Extraction
For details on home care after tooth extraction, see the page “After Extractions” under “Surgical Instructions”.