We save teeth whenever we can. But a tooth that is broken below the gum, decayed through, badly infected, or crowding its neighbors sometimes has to come out. Wisdom teeth that are impacted or coming in at an angle are the most common reason adults in their late teens and twenties need an extraction.
You do not need a referral to an oral surgeon for most extractions. Dr. Singh and Dr. Iniguez handle simple and surgical extractions in our office, usually in one visit. We numb the area thoroughly, explain each step as we go, and send you home with written instructions.
Simple vs. Surgical Extractions
A simple extraction removes a tooth that is fully visible above the gum. After numbing, the tooth is loosened and lifted out. A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is broken at the gum line or impacted. A small opening is made in the gum, sometimes with a little bone removed, and the tooth may be taken out in sections.
Wisdom Teeth
Third molars usually appear between about 17 and 21. If they are straight and healthy, they can stay. When there is no room, they become impacted, which can lead to pain, infection, cysts and damage to the tooth next door. We monitor them on your X-rays and recommend removal only when it is the right call.
Aftercare That Prevents Dry Socket
Pain usually eases steadily over about three days and the site closes in roughly two weeks. Call right away if you have throbbing pain that spreads, a bad taste or smell, bleeding that will not stop, fever or swelling that keeps growing.
- Bite on gauze and change it as needed
- Rest for the first 24 hours
- No straws, spitting, rinsing or smoking while healing
- Soft, cool foods; chew on the other side
- Cold compress and over-the-counter pain relief for swelling
- Sleep with your head slightly raised
Replacing the Tooth
Wisdom teeth do not need replacing. Any other tooth does, because the neighbors drift into the gap and the bone beneath shrinks. We can place an implant, often the same day as the extraction, or fit a bridge or a partial denture. We will go through the options and costs before the tooth is removed.
What to Expect
- 1Exam and X-ray
We confirm the tooth cannot be saved and check the roots and nearby nerves.
- 2Numbing
Local anesthetic makes the area completely numb. Ask us about comfort options if you are anxious.
- 3Removal
The tooth is loosened and removed, in sections if needed. Stitches are placed if the gum needs them.
- 4Home with instructions
You leave with gauze, written aftercare and a follow-up plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the extraction hurt?
You will feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. Afterward, expect some soreness for a few days that over-the-counter pain relievers and ice can manage. If there is infection, we may also prescribe antibiotics.
Can I go back to work the same day?
After a simple extraction, many patients return to desk work. After a surgical extraction or wisdom teeth removal, plan to rest the remainder of the day and avoid heavy exertion for about a week.
What can I eat?
Soft, cool foods for the first day or two: yogurt, smoothies without a straw, mashed potatoes, eggs. Avoid hot food and alcohol for 24 hours and anything crunchy until the site has closed.
Do all wisdom teeth have to come out?
No. Healthy, properly positioned wisdom teeth that you can keep clean can stay. We only recommend removal when they are impacted, crowding, decayed or causing infection.
What is dry socket?
It happens when the blood clot in the socket is lost, exposing bone. The signs are severe pain a few days after the extraction, a bad taste and visible bone. We treat it with a soothing dressing; following the aftercare steps helps prevent it.
Need a tooth out today?
Call (623) 400-6009 and we will fit you in as soon as possible.
