Extractions & Wisdom Tooth Removal at Dailley Dental Care
A tooth extraction is the procedure done to remove a tooth that is damaged beyond repair from its socket in the jawbone. Extractions are also done to remove wisdom teeth that may be impacted or create future problems.
Many extractions can be performed in our Berkeley office; however, more complicated procedures may be referred to one of our trusted oral surgeons.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
- Severely decayed teeth
- Periodontal disease leading to bone loss
- Fractured in such a way that it is impossible or impractical to repair
- Badly positioned (impacted wisdom teeth)
- Non-functional or poorly functional teeth that should be replaced with a bridge, denture or dental implant
Extractions are generally classified as either non-surgical (also known as “simple”) or surgical (involving cutting through the gums and tooth). A simple procedure can quickly become a surgical procedure if the tooth fractures or refuses to loosen under pressure. We perform these procedures only after making the extraction site(s) profoundly numb.
Tooth Extractions & Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth typically come in between the ages of 17–21. Since these are the last of the adult teeth that you will form, it is common for your mouth to be too crowded or for the wisdom teeth themselves to be in an odd position that makes it difficult for them to erupt. In these cases, it might be necessary to have your wisdom teeth extracted. Other situations that require extraction include any type of disease or infection, pain, disease in the gums and chronic pain. It is important to talk to today about your wisdom teeth and whether they need extraction.
What is a Tooth Socket?
A tooth socket is a joint that connects the roots of your teeth and the alveolus. The alveolar bone surrounds the roots of your teeth and forms the bone sockets.
When you have a tooth extraction, you must take care to follow all our instructions, so you don’t end up with a painful dry socket. While they’re very common after an invasive surgery and the trauma of removing a tooth, sockets can be avoided with proper care.
How Does a Dry Socket Happen?
A dry socket can develop after the extraction of an adult tooth when a blood clot at the extraction site doesn’t develop, or it dissolves before the wound has time to heal.
It’s normal for a blood clot to develop because it acts as a protective layer over the empty tooth socket, and it also allows new bone and soft tissue to grow after an extraction. When the new bone and nerves are exposed, the result can be extreme pain within a few days of the surgery.
How Long Does a Dry Socket Take to Heal?
While you can expect some pain and discomfort after a tooth extraction, especially wisdom teeth, it should start to subside after the first few days. With the medications prescribed after your surgery, the regular application of ice, and other home remedies such as salt water, you should start seeing marked improvement within the following week.
It’s important that you carefully follow all the instructions you receive after getting a tooth extracted so you can avoid painful dry sockets. If your pain doesn’t improve or gets worse after a few days, call us right away so we can take care of you.
Schedule Your Tooth Extraction Appointment
Do you have questions about tooth extractions? Are you ready to schedule your appointment at our Berkeley, CA dental office? Give us a call at 510-848-0114 today!