What Is a Tooth Extraction?        

At Whole Dental Wellness in Birmingham and Roseville, tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure to remove teeth.        

There are two types of tooth extractions, non-surgical and surgical. When a tooth is visible above the surface of the gums, this is considered a simple or non-surgical extraction. A broken tooth or teeth that are impacted below the gumline requires a surgical tooth extraction procedure.

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Tooth Extraction Procedure      

There may be extensive pre-procedural instructions to adhere to before your tooth extraction, including:

           
• Additional office visits for X-rays
           
• Fitting for a cap, bridge, or dentures is needed
           
• Blood-thinning medications need to be stopped one week prior
       

Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide a local anesthetic or a sedative during your extraction if needed for anxiety.            

Once your mouth is numb, the tooth is gripped with a dental instrument and gently rocked or pulled. You may feel tugging or pressure, but you will not be in any pain. After the tooth is extracted, stitches may be needed to close the gap. You will have dental padding wedged in the area to prevent bleeding.

Tooth Extraction Recovery        

Once the bleeding subsides, soft foods are recommended to enable the extraction area to heal and avoid infection. To keep any swelling down, it is recommended to use an ice pack off and on for 10 minutes at a time. Antibiotics may be prescribed to avoid infection, but any discomfort is managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Your mouth needs time to heal, and you should take about a week to rest and allow for optimal healing.

Schedule Your Tooth Extraction Consultation With Whole Dental Wellness Today        

We are committed to keeping you healthy through optimal oral care and whole-body health. If you or a family member need a tooth extraction Birmingham and Roseville dental specialists at Whole Dental Wellness are here to relieve your pain and get you back to your daily activities.

Tooth Extraction FAQs

What are the risks of a tooth extraction?                            

After your tooth is extracted, a blood clot is expected to form in the space where the tooth was removed. In some cases, the blood clot will not develop, known as a ‘dry socket.’ Your dentist will need to protect the area with a dressing that contains a sedative for a clot to form. Other risks include infection, swelling, and bleeding.              

How much does it cost?

Tooth extractions will vary in cost based on the patient’s individual needs, whether a topical or local anesthetic was used, X-rays, and the type of extraction needed. Our dedicated professional dental team will outline the cost of your procedure beforehand so you have all the required information.              

My tooth got knocked out! What should I do?                            

If your tooth is knocked out, it’s imperative you try and preserve the tooth as best as you can. Often, we can place the tooth back in its socket and restore the tooth. Do not touch the root or pulp of the tooth and only handle the crown of the tooth. If your gums are bleeding, use gauze or a paper towel to contain the bleeding.              

Does my insurance cover tooth extraction?                          

Most dental insurance plans have at least some level of coverage for tooth extractions. Your level of coverage can vary based on your insurance provider as well as your plan. If you need help determining if tooth extraction is covered under your dental plan, contact your provider or call Whole Dental Wellness and one of our associates can help.