Tooth Extraction Specialist

Why do I need a tooth extraction?

Keeping your natural teeth is essential for your oral health. Leaving your tooth’s root in place helps decrease your risk of bone and tissue loss, as well as shifting teeth. But if you aren’t a candidate for a root canal or if it isn’t feasible for your condition, you might need to have the tooth pulled. You may need a tooth extraction if your tooth is:

• Severely decayed
• Deeply fractured or broken
• Causing overcrowding
• Very loose

Some patients also need to have a tooth pulled if they’re going through certain medical treatments, including radiation for cancer.

Is a tooth extraction painful?

With advancements in numbing and sedation options, tooth extractions aren’t as painful as they were years ago. Most patients report feeling a pressure or pulling sensation, rather than pain. Dr. Karimian thoroughly numbs your treatment area before getting started.

During your consultation, Dr. Karimian also covers sedation dentistry options with you. If you’re worried about pain or discomfort, inhaling nitrous oxide (laughing gas) during your extraction can help you relax. If you have a complex case or are having multiple teeth removed, you may benefit from stronger oral or IV sedation instead.

What is the recovery like after a tooth extraction?

Your recovery depends on the size of your tooth and the health of your gum tissue. If you’re having a tooth extracted because of deep decay or an abscess, you’re probably going to feel relief by having the tooth pulled. Most patients experience minor aching and swelling for a couple days.

Applying an ice pack on your cheek or taking over-the-counter pain relievers (if recommended) can help you through this initial healing phase. If you needed sutures, you might need a follow-up appointment to have them removed. Once your gum tissue heals, you need to have something put in the missing tooth’s place — unless you’re having a tooth removed due to overcrowding, as with wisdom teeth.

Dr. Karimian could suggest getting an implant and crown or bridge to fill in the gap where your tooth was located. Usually, though, you have to wait several months to allow your gum tissue to fully heal before having an implant placed.

Book your tooth extraction evaluation at Tice Valley Dental by calling the office or by using the online booking feature.