Extractions

The most common reasons for tooth loss include advanced periodontal disease, extensive tooth decay, and facial trauma. According to statistics, gum disease is responsible for close to 70% of tooth loss in adults. Although less frequent than the preceding three reasons, it should also be noted that specific diseases, drugs, smoking, and poor nutrition contribute to the risk of tooth loss.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in the United States, an average of 12 teeth (including the wisdom teeth) are lost by the age of 50. Also, 26% of adults between 65 and 74 years of age have lost all their teeth.

Every patient and every situation is different. However, when a tooth and the surrounding tissues are numbed with a local anesthetic, you should only expect to feel a bit of pressure, but no pain as the tooth is being loosened from the surrounding tissues and extracted. For patients who are apprehensive and for some surgical extractions, our office will discuss our options in dental sedation to provide further relaxation and reduce any sense of discomfort.

While it's normal to feel some tenderness and swelling following an extraction, the degree of these sensations can vary. It mostly depends on the complexity of the extraction and the body's response to the procedure. We'll recommend or prescribe the appropriate pain medication to help ensure your comfort and give you specific instructions for maximum effectiveness and safety.

Typically, the recovery period following a simple extraction is shorter than a surgical extraction. However, a patient's overall health, habits, the size and location of the tooth, and other variables can influence recovery and healing. To speed up the recovery and avoid any complications, patients must follow the given at-home instructions diligently. We'll carefully review what to expect following your procedure and go over your post-op instructions.

Smoking interferes with blood clot formation, which is an essential first step in the healing process. Blood clot formation not only provides a protective layer to cover the underlying exposed bone and nerve endings, but it also supports the growth of new tissue. Cigarette smoke also contains chemical toxins that can disrupt the healing process and lead to problems such as continued inflammation, infection, or dry socket.

In a very small percentage of cases, a condition known as dry socket can develop in the aftermath of a dental extraction. This painful condition can arise when the blood clot in the extraction site doesn't form properly or gets dislodged. With dry socket, you may experience throbbing pain and symptoms such as bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. As skilled providers of care, our office will provide immediate treatment to alleviate your discomfort and promote healing.

The last teeth in your mouth to develop, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully erupt or may be positioned in the wrong direction. These issues can affect your dental health as well as overall wellbeing. While some individuals never develop all their wisdom teeth, and a few have sufficient space for them, there are many people with partially or fully impacted third molars. Our office will monitor the development, position, and health of your wisdom teeth and will advise you if and when extractions are indicated.

After a tooth is removed, bone-grafting material is sometimes placed in the socket to promote healing and encourage new bone development. This procedure is often performed to support the eventual and successful placement of a dental implant.

At the office of Dodson Brothers Dentistry, we strive to make dental care affordable and accessible. Depending on the type or complexity of the extraction and other variables, the cost of the procedure can vary. Based on our diagnostic findings, our office will inform you of the healthiest choices in care, explain the fees, discuss insurance coverage, and explain your payment options.

Many dental plans offer some level of coverage for tooth extractions. We'll advise you if your plan covers the full cost of the procedure and if there is any out-of-pocket expense. Our business office will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits as much as possible while helping you minimize any out-of-pocket expenses.

A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jaw. It is performed when a tooth cannot be preserved by restorative or endodontic treatment. Extractions are also used to remove sources of infection, relieve persistent pain or create space for proper dental development.

The decision to extract is based on clinical findings and a review of alternatives, not as a first resort. When left untreated, badly damaged or infected teeth can threaten neighboring teeth and overall oral health. After extraction we review options to restore function and prevent shifting of adjacent teeth.

At Dodson Brothers Dentistry, we prioritize preserving natural teeth whenever possible and only recommend extraction when it best protects oral health. A thorough evaluation includes a medical history review, a visual exam and diagnostic imaging to assess decay, root anatomy, bone support and proximity to critical structures. We consider conservative treatments first and explain the clinical reasons when extraction is the safer choice.

Factors such as advanced periodontal disease, irreparable fractures, nonrestorable decay, impacted third molars and retained primary teeth are weighed in the treatment plan. Imaging helps determine whether a simple or surgical approach will be required and whether referral to a specialist is appropriate. We coordinate with medical providers when systemic conditions or medications could affect healing or anesthesia choices.

A simple extraction applies when a tooth is fully visible in the mouth and its root anatomy is straightforward. After effective local anesthesia the dentist loosens the tooth and removes it with forceps, often resulting in a short, predictable procedure and recovery. Simple extractions are common for mobile or nonrestorable teeth that are accessible.

Surgical extractions are indicated for teeth that are broken at the gumline, impacted beneath bone, ankylosed or have complex root morphology. These procedures may involve a small incision, careful removal of bone and tooth sectioning to access and extract the tooth while protecting adjacent structures. Surgical cases require precise technique and may be treated in-house or referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for more complex needs.

Preparation begins with a preoperative consultation to review your medical history, current medications and any conditions that could affect anesthesia or healing. Bring a list of medications and inform the team about allergies, heart conditions, diabetes or blood-thinning medications so we can make appropriate plans. When necessary we coordinate with your physician to adjust medications safely prior to treatment.

If sedation is planned you may receive instructions about fasting and arranging transportation because driving after sedation is not advised. Diagnostic images and a clear treatment plan will be reviewed so you know what to expect during the procedure and recovery. Following preoperative instructions closely helps reduce risk and ensures a smoother appointment experience.

Local anesthesia is the standard for most extractions and reliably numbs the area so the procedure is comfortable. For patients with anxiety or for more complex surgical cases, options such as nitrous oxide, oral sedatives or monitored IV sedation can be discussed. The selection is personalized based on medical history, anxiety level and the anticipated complexity of the extraction.

All sedation choices are provided with appropriate monitoring and recovery protocols to prioritize safety. We explain the risks, benefits and what to expect during recovery so patients can make informed decisions. If general anesthesia is indicated, care is coordinated with a qualified anesthesiologist or an appropriately equipped facility.

After extraction a blood clot will form in the socket; protecting that clot is essential for proper healing and to minimize pain. Some bleeding, swelling and mild discomfort during the first 24 to 48 hours are normal and typically subside with proper care. Applying gentle bite pressure with gauze, resting and limiting activity help control bleeding and support clot formation.

Use ice intermittently on the cheek during the first day to reduce swelling and consider warm compresses after 48 hours for stiffness relief. Avoid disturbing the surgical site by not using straws, smoking or vigorous rinsing during early healing. Maintain soft, nutritious foods and adequate hydration while following any medication or activity instructions provided.

Pain and swelling are managed with a combination of approaches recommended by your dentist, including prescribed or over-the-counter analgesics taken as directed. Applying an ice pack on the cheek in short intervals during the first 24 hours helps limit swelling, and switching to warm compresses after a day or two can alleviate muscle stiffness. Rest and limiting strenuous physical activity also support recovery and reduce discomfort.

If antibiotics are prescribed to treat or prevent infection, complete the entire course as directed to reduce the risk of complications. Refrain from smoking and avoid alcohol during the healing period, as these can impair recovery and increase the likelihood of painful conditions such as dry socket. If pain intensifies or is not controlled by recommended measures, contact the office so the situation can be reassessed.

Warning signs that require prompt evaluation include persistent or worsening pain after the first few days, heavy or continuous bleeding, increasing swelling, fever or drainage from the socket. Numbness that persists beyond the expected recovery period or difficulty breathing or swallowing also deserves immediate attention. These symptoms may indicate infection, dry socket, nerve involvement or other complications needing timely care.

If you experience any of these symptoms contact the office promptly so we can assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Timely follow-up often prevents minor problems from becoming more serious and helps restore comfort sooner. If you cannot reach the office and have severe or rapidly progressing symptoms, seek emergency care without delay.

Several restorative choices can replace a missing tooth, including removable partial dentures, fixed bridges and dental implants, each with distinct benefits and maintenance considerations. At Dodson Brothers Dentistry we evaluate surrounding teeth and bone to recommend a solution that preserves function, appearance and long-term oral health. The timing of replacement may be immediate or delayed depending on healing, infection risk and plans for bone preservation.

Dental implants often provide a durable, bone-preserving option that closely mimics natural tooth function, while bridges and partial dentures remain appropriate in certain clinical scenarios. When jawbone loss is a concern, grafting techniques can support future implant placement and maintain ridge contours. Your dentist will explain the expected timeline, preparatory steps and the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision.

Extractions can be safe and appropriate for children when clinically indicated, and the approach is tailored to a child's age, development and comfort level. Retained primary teeth that block the eruption of permanent teeth or are ankylosed may be removed to allow proper dental development and to reduce future orthodontic complexity. Behavior management techniques, appropriate anesthesia and clear explanations help children tolerate the procedure with minimal trauma.

When a primary tooth is removed we discuss space management and whether a space maintainer or early orthodontic referral is needed to guide eruption of permanent teeth. Follow-up care focuses on monitoring eruption, maintaining oral hygiene and scheduling any restorative or orthodontic steps as dictated by dental development. Coordinated care with pediatric specialists and orthodontists ensures each child receives the right treatment at the right time.