Some tooth extractions are simple, meaning that a dentist can use a specialized instrument to grasp and remove the tooth. However, in other situations, a surgical procedure is needed to extract a tooth.
Tooth Extractions in Charlottesville VA
We prioritize patient comfort during a tooth extraction, and we achieve that goal by thoroughly educating patients on what to expect from the process and offering sedation to make the procedure more tolerable.
We are here to serve as a resource for you throughout the entire process, even during the healing phase. Reach out to us if we can be of any assistance.
Reasons That Teeth May Need to Be Extracted
While it is preferable to pursue conservative treatment options rather than remove a biological tooth, in some cases, extraction may be inevitable. Extraction may be indicated for a tooth that is:
- Impacted
- Decayed
- Severely compromised beneath the gumline
- Damaged as a result of facial trauma
In such circumstances, in combination with appropriate restorative treatment, such as dental implants, a tooth extraction can ultimately benefit your oral health, as well as your smile’s appearance.
What To Expect From Your Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction will typically be completed in a single appointment that lasts a few hours at most, depending on the number of teeth being extracted and the patient’s unique situation. It is best to plan to rest for the remainder of the day of your tooth extraction, as you may have some discomfort and low energy.
Understandably, many patients will want to take advantage of sedation for optimal comfort during a tooth extraction. To meet the needs of these patients, we offer intravenous sedation that takes effect quickly.
We monitor your vital signs closely while you are under sedation to ensure your safety. Additionally, we expect you to take certain steps to prepare for a safe sedation experience.
- Do not eat anything for at least eight hours prior to the appointment.
- Do not smoke for at least 12 hours prior to the appointment and ideally begin to abstain farther in advance than that.
- Arrange to have a responsible adult escort you home after your extraction, as the sedative will still be in effect when it is time for you to leave our office.
This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of pre-extraction instructions, but we will review all necessary preparation steps with you before your appointment.
Additionally, you may be instructed to discontinue certain medications for some time before your extraction. Dr. Ibanez will thoroughly review your medical history, including a list of all current medications, prior to your appointment and advise you if this step is necessary.
Post-extraction Self Care
As with any oral surgery procedure, certain post-extraction complications can arise. Fortunately, by diligently adhering to the post-operative instructions provided to them, patients can minimize their risk of such complications.
After you have a tooth extracted at our office, be sure to:
- Clean the extraction site as directed
- Take all medications as directed
- Adjust your diet as needed
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid using drinking straws, which can cause dry sockets
We will give you a written copy detailing all of your post-extraction instructions, along with signs that can indicate infection, dry sockets, or other issues that can arise after an extraction. While patients can expect some mild discomfort initially and bleeding for the first 24 hours, the following symptoms warrant follow-up with our office:
- Severe pain
- Persistent bleeding
- Persistent swelling that doesn’t resolve after a few days
- Noticeable signs of infection (pus, bad breath, etc.)
If you notice any concerning symptoms, call our office right away for further evaluation and guidance.
Common Tooth Extractions Questions
Does tooth extraction hurt?
During the extraction procedure, we make use of local anesthetic and sedation (when requested) to minimize any patient discomfort. Those medications are only in effect for several hours, and patients may experience some mild to moderate discomfort as the anesthetic and sedation wear off. However, any discomfort should be short-lived and resolve within two or three days. It is usually possible to manage this symptom with over-the-counter or prescription painkillers. If you have pain that is more severe or that lasts more than a few days, follow up with our office as soon as possible.
What is the cost of a tooth extraction?
The cost of tooth extraction will depend on the nature of the extraction, whether it is simple or surgical, and how complex the conditions are. Insurance will often cover at least a portion of the costs associated with tooth extraction, so we encourage you to check with our billing staff to see what you might expect based on your policy.
What is the healing time of a tooth extraction?
The nature of the extraction does influence the expected healing timeframe, but most patients will be able to resume most aspects of their regular daily lives within a few days after having a tooth extracted unless they have jobs that require a significant amount of physical activity. That being said, it takes 3-4 weeks for the soft tissues to heal at the extraction site, so you may need to make adjustments to your diet and stick to softer foods for a longer period. You should adhere to any post-operative instructions provided to you to minimize your risk of post-extraction issues. Call us if you have any questions about these instructions.
Does a tooth extraction cause bleeding?
You may experience some bleeding in the hours immediately following your tooth extraction, but it should not last any more than 24 hours or so. Bleeding that lasts longer than that could indicate some sort of issue or disruption with the healing process and warrants further direction from our office. We have an on-call staff member available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so do not hesitate to call us right away if you notice ongoing bleeding after your tooth extraction.