Extractions

Extractions

When a tooth is broken and decayed to the point that it is no longer restorable, or when the cost of restoring a tooth with appropriate treatments is not an option, extraction of a tooth can be the best option. Replacement of the tooth later on is always a possibility.

There are two types of extractions:

Routine extraction: This is where the tooth is numbed and loosened with elevators and forceps and comes out fairly easily. After the extraction stitches may not even be necessary. You will leave the office with gauze and instructed to bite down with pressure for 30 min or so. If bleeding continues then more gauze can be placed for another 30 min or a regular black tea bag (such as liptons) can be used. Place tea bag in boiling water, allow to cool, squeeze out some of the water and bite down on the tea bag with some pressure and leave for 15-20 min….the tannic acid in the tea helps to form a clot.

Surgical extraction: This is where the tooth is broken already, has a root canal or is broken below the gum line. Often these teeth need to sectioned to remove requiring extra steps including drilling and separate removal of the roots. The surgical extraction is more expensive and requires more time to take out. An x-ray and exam are necessary to evaluate which type of extraction you need.