--- title: "Tooth Extractions" url: "https://luminancedentaire.ca/luminance-services/tooth-extractions/" type: "page" date: "2023-11-05T11:06:01-05:00" modified: "2025-05-16T08:47:40-05:00" --- # Tooth Extractions Source: > Tooth extractions Details about our services Why is tooth extraction necessary? Sometimes injury or disease can damage your teeth, gums, or jawbone. Left untreated, this damage can lead to infection, inflammation, and other problems in the affected tooth, in other teeth, and in the rest of the body. In case like this surgical removal is… # Tooth extractions #### Details about our services ## Why is tooth extraction necessary? Sometimes injury or disease can damage your teeth, gums, or jawbone. Left untreated, this damage can lead to infection, inflammation, and other problems in the affected tooth, in other teeth, and in the rest of the body. In case like this surgical removal is the solution to prevent the other teeth from damage. We always try to save teeth whenever possible but sometimes tooth extractions are your only option. ## Reasons for tooth extraction Some of these reasons are as follows: - Severe decay in the tooth that is not restorable with dental fillings or dental crowns; - Severe Infection around the tooth; - Periodontal disease with severe bone loss causing mobility of tooth; - Deep fractures in the tooth; - For orthodontic reasons. ## What to expect with tooth extraction? - Before extracting the tooth, your dentist will give you an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. In some instances, your dentist may use a strong general anesthetic. This will prevent pain throughout your body and make you sleep through the procedure; - To remove the tooth, the dentist must “Expand its socket” and Separate it from the ligament that binds it in place. After repeated cycles of side-to-side pressure, the entire socket gradually increases in size (expands). When enough space has been created and root’s ligament torn away enough, the tooth can be removed easily; - Closing the extraction site- once your tooth has been removed, your dentist will begin the process of closing your surgical site. ## Care after tooth extraction- The Dos & Don’ts After 24 hours, you can rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to clean up the extraction site. Allow yourself some time to heal and relax. Avoid any activities that are too physical or could affect your mouth in any way. The healing time depends on several factors such as the size of the wound, the complexity of the surgery, and the patient’s status. For example, the [surgical extraction of a wisdom tooth]() usually takes a longer time to heal than the extraction of a lower incisor. During the first 2 weeks following the extraction, the gum tissues will heal and close the wound. After 8 to 10 weeks, two-thirds of the extraction socket will fill with a new bone. The complete bone healing usually takes from 4 to 6 months. - Rinse with warm salt water to remove food debris and prevent infection. Simply, apply one-half tablespoon of salt in a cup of warm water; - Eat cool, soft foods such as pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs and avoid hot, hard, crunchy, and spicy foods. It may take just a few days to return to your normal eating habits; - Avoid exercise and lifting heavy objects; - If stitches are placed, book a follow-up appointment to have these stitches removed; - Contact us if you have any complications such as persistent pain or prolonged bleeding. [Contact us Make an appointment now]() ## FAQs: #### What you’ll feel during your extraction? The local anesthetics that dentists use to “numb up” teeth are effective in inhibiting nerve fibers that transmit pain but not those that relay pressure sensations. Expect to feel pressure during your extraction procedure. #### Should I feel pain? You shouldn’t feel any pain.  If you do feel some you should let your dentist know immediately so they can numb you up some more. #### How long does the tooth extraction take? For routine single-tooth extractions your dentist will probably have you schedule an appointment for about 20 to 40 minutes. Here’s a breakdown of what this estimate is based on: - On average, the process of numbing a tooth usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes; - The extraction procedure itself (the actual act of removing your tooth from your jawbone) usually takes on the order of 3 to 15 minutes; - Preoperative preparations and postoperative duties may take between 5 to 10 minutes each. #### Why Do I Need an Extraction? Teeth may need to be extracted for several reasons, including severe decay, infection, gum disease, overcrowding, or impacted wisdom teeth. #### What Type of Extraction Will I Need? There are two main types of extractions: simple and surgical. Simple extractions are performed on visible teeth using dental forceps, while surgical extractions are needed for teeth that are not easily accessible, such as impacted wisdom teeth. #### What Type of Anesthesia Will Be Used? The type of anesthesia can vary from local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth, to sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia for more complex cases. #### Are There Any Risks Involved? Common risks include pain, bleeding, swelling, bruising, infection, and dry socket. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, may face additional risks. #### How Should I Prepare for the Procedure? Patients should follow their dentist’s instructions, which may include avoiding food and drink for a certain period before the procedure, arranging for transportation if sedation is used, and discussing any medications they are taking. #### What Are the Instructions to Follow After Extraction? Post-extraction care typically includes avoiding rinsing the mouth for the first 24 hours, applying pressure with gauze to control bleeding, eating soft foods, and avoiding the use of straws. #### How Do I Control Bleeding? Bleeding can be controlled by biting down on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes. If bleeding persists, patients should contact their dentist. #### How Long Does It Take to Heal? The initial healing period usually takes about 1-2 weeks, but complete healing of the bone can take several months. Pain and swelling should decrease significantly after the first few days. #### When Can I Resume Normal Activities? Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two, but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least a week to prevent complications. [Contact us Make an appointment now]() ### Our services: