Extractions

While teeth are meant to last a lifetime, extractions are sometimes necessary to protect your oral health. The expert team of dentists at Seattle Crown Hill Dental in Seattle, Washington, performs safe, effective extractions to remove damaged, decayed, and infected teeth before they evolve into more serious problems. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

What are extractions?

An extraction is a procedure that removes a tooth from its socket. Extractions involve removing the entire tooth from its crown (the visible portion) through its root. There are two main types of extractions:

Simple

A simple extraction is a fast, straightforward procedure in which your dentist pulls a tooth from its crown. They use an elevator to loosen the tooth, then carefully extract it. While you may need sutures, simple extractions typically need little downtime.

Surgical

Surgical extractions are more complex procedures than simple removals. During a surgical extraction, your dentist injects a local anesthetic and makes a small incision in your gums to remove the tooth. Sometimes, the tooth is fractured, and the team must remove it in pieces. Once the area is clear, your dentist sutures the incision.

After a comprehensive dental evaluation, the Seattle Crown Hill Dental team can determine which type of extraction is appropriate. 

Why might I need extractions?

There are many reasons why you might need a tooth extraction, such as:

• Severe tooth decay
• Advanced periodontal disease (gum disease)
• An injured tooth
• Overcrowding
• Impacted wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth, also called the third molars, are the final teeth to emerge. These teeth typically erupt between ages 17 and 21, when your jaw is already fully developed. As a result, wisdom teeth can become impacted. That means they remain partially or fully trapped beneath the gumline. 

Impaction can cause wisdom teeth to grow sideways, crack in half, or fracture into small pieces. Removing these teeth can help prevent complications, such as pain, swelling, and infection.

What can I expect after extractions?

You can expect mild swelling and discomfort after an extraction. Your dentist places gauze over the empty socket to help form a blood clot and accelerate the healing process. The team instructs you to change this gauze every few hours to prevent infection. After 24 hours, your pain, bleeding, and swelling should begin to diminish.

Simple extractions heal quickly, while surgical extractions can take a week or longer. The dental team may schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate your healing.

Call Seattle Crown Hill Dental or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about extractions.