What You Need to Know About Tooth Extractions

What You Need to Know About Tooth Extractions

July 13, 2020

What is a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth for a number of reasons, like dental trauma, periodontal disease, or dental crowding. Most often, the process is straightforward and the extraction is performed quickly and the patient is awake. In most cases, a local anesthetic injection is all that is needed. Some cases the extraction are more complicated and require surgery. Thus, there are two procedures for removing teeth: a simple extraction and a surgical extraction.

Procedures for Removing Teeth

Extractions are often categorized as “simple” or “surgical”.

Simple extractions

A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is visible in the mouth and has roots that are shaped for easy removal. Also, simple extractions do not need an oral surgeon and is generally a routine procedure. Your dentist will offer an assessment if your tooth extraction is simple or requires surgery.

In a simple extraction, the dentist loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. Then the dentist uses an instrument, called forceps, to remove the tooth. Typically when teeth are removed with forceps a slow & steady pressure is applied with controlled force. To some this may be uncomfortable. At SmileUp Dentistry we have everything you need to make sure your experience is as comfortable as possible.

Surgical extractions

A surgical extraction is a more complex procedure. It is used if a tooth may have broken off at the gum line or has not come into the mouth yet, or the tooth does not grow straight. Surgical extractions are commonly done by oral surgeons, however, they can be done by general dentists in some circumstances. In a surgical extraction, the dentist makes a small incision into your gum. In some cases, it’s necessary to remove some of the bone around the tooth or to cut the tooth in half in order to extract it.

Post Extraction Care

After your extraction you should be aware of the Do’s and Don’ts of what you need to do to heal. Your dentist will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your oral health after you have your extraction.

  • Rest. Make sure you give your body time to heal.
  • Do not do any heavy lifting or any movements that will jerk or forcibly move your head.
  • Stick to eating cold and soft foods until you feel comfortable eating. When your mouth heals you can start eating warm and solid foods.
  • Do not prod or poke your extraction area. Let your mouth heal.
  • Do not smoke for at least 48 hours after your extraction. The chemicals in cigarettes will inhibit proper clotting and healing.
  • After 24 hours from your procedure you can rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Use one-half teaspoon of salt in a cup of water. Most swelling and bleeding end within a day or two after the surgery. Initial healing takes at least two weeks.

In both cases, SmileUp Dentistry has you covered. If you need to schedule an appointment contact us and we can make an assessment if you need an extraction.


Dr. Sonya Reddy received her education at the prestigious NYU College Of Dentistry, where she also received special training in Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Reddy is a member of the American Cosmetic Dentists, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and a SMART certified and accredited member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology.