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 Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD, 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.

Extractions are recommended when a tooth cannot be preserved without causing further harm to surrounding teeth or tissues. Common clinical reasons include extensive decay that leaves too little tooth structure for a predictable restoration, severe fractures that extend below the gum line, and advanced periodontal disease that has compromised the tooth's support. Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth and primary teeth that interfere with normal eruption also sometimes require removal.

The decision to extract follows a careful assessment of the whole mouth, not just the single tooth. We review X-rays, periodontal status, bite relationships, and any medical factors that affect healing to determine whether extraction is the safest path. When removal is advised, it is presented as part of a broader treatment plan that addresses immediate needs and future restoration options.

A simple extraction is appropriate when the tooth is fully visible in the mouth and the root anatomy is straightforward, allowing the dentist to loosen and remove it with common instruments. Surgical extraction is considered when a tooth is broken at the gum line, impacted, fused to bone, or presents complex root anatomy that cannot be accessed easily without making a small incision. Imaging, such as digital radiographs helps determine which approach will be least invasive and most predictable.

The patient's general health, level of anxiety, and the tooth's position are also part of the planning process. For more complex cases, coordination with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may be recommended to ensure optimal outcomes. In every case, the chosen technique aims to minimize trauma and promote efficient healing.

Your visit begins with a review of medical history and a focused clinical examination to confirm the treatment plan and any necessary precautions. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area thoroughly, and additional sedation options may be offered for comfort during longer or more involved procedures. The actual removal of the tooth is performed with careful technique, and time in the chair varies depending on whether the extraction is simple or surgical.

After the tooth is removed, the site is gently cleaned and, if needed, sutures are placed to support healing. You will receive specific post-operative instructions about bleeding control, activity limits, and oral hygiene to follow during the first days after the procedure. We make sure you understand what to expect and how to manage common symptoms before you leave the office.

Local anesthesia is the standard for most extractions and effectively numbs the tooth and surrounding tissues so you remain comfortable during the procedure. For patients with dental anxiety or for longer surgical procedures, additional options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedatives may be offered to help you relax. In certain complex cases, deeper sedation or general anesthesia provided by a qualified anesthesiologist can be arranged through a surgical facility.

We review medical history and current medications to select the safest and most appropriate anesthesia strategy for each patient. If coordination with a physician is needed for medical clearance or medication adjustments, we will guide you through that process before treatment. Your comfort and safety are prioritized at every step.

Proper post-operative care helps reduce discomfort and lowers the risk of complications. Bite gently on gauze to control bleeding, avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting for the first 24 hours, and refrain from using a straw or smoking because these activities can dislodge the developing blood clot. Apply intermittent ice to the cheek for the first 24 hours to control swelling and follow the medication instructions provided to keep pain manageable.

Maintain oral hygiene by brushing other teeth carefully and, after 24–48 hours, begin gentle saltwater rinses as advised to keep the socket clean. Stick to soft, lukewarm foods for the first few days and avoid chewing directly on the surgical site until healing is well underway. Attend any scheduled follow-up visits so the clinician can check sutures and confirm appropriate tissue closure.

While most extractions heal without issue, certain complications can occur and require prompt attention. Common concerns include prolonged bleeding, signs of infection such as increasing pain or swelling after 48–72 hours, and a painful condition called dry socket that results when the blood clot is dislodged. If you notice heavy bleeding, worsening pain, fever, or other unusual symptoms, contact the office so we can evaluate and intervene if necessary.

Management depends on the problem identified and may include local treatment to protect the socket, a course of prescribed antibiotics for infection, or medicated dressings for dry socket to relieve pain and encourage healing. Preventive steps, such as following post-op instructions and avoiding tobacco, significantly reduce the likelihood of complications. Your dental team will explain when to seek immediate care and how we can support recovery.

Follow-up timing is determined by the complexity of the extraction and whether sutures were placed. For routine, uncomplicated extractions, a follow-up visit may not be necessary unless symptoms arise, but more involved surgical extractions typically require a short-term check to remove sutures and confirm proper healing. The dentist will tell you whether and when to return before you leave the office.

If you experience unexpected signs such as increasing pain, persistent bleeding beyond the first day, swelling that worsens after the initial 48–72 hours, or any systemic symptoms like fever, schedule an appointment promptly. Early evaluation allows timely treatment and helps prevent more serious problems from developing.

An extraction is often the first step in a longer restorative plan, and thoughtful timing can preserve options for replacement. Choices commonly include removable prosthetics, fixed bridges, and dental implants, each of which has specific site preparation and healing considerations. When an implant is planned, we assess bone volume and may recommend grafting at the time of extraction or later to create a suitable foundation.

Discussing replacement goals before the extraction allows us to plan the sequence of care to protect esthetics and function. The office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD coordinates restorative treatment so transitions are as seamless as possible and your long-term oral health is prioritized. We explain timelines and expected milestones so you can make informed decisions about the best restorative approach for your situation.

Third molars, or wisdom teeth, commonly become impacted because there is insufficient room for them to erupt properly, which can lead to pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. Even when not currently symptomatic, problematic positioning, recurrent infections, or cyst formation are reasons clinicians may recommend removal to prevent future complications. Evaluation usually includes a clinical exam and radiographs to assess the angle of eruption and relationship to nearby structures.

Timing depends on the individual patient and the specific findings; earlier assessment during late adolescence or young adulthood often allows simpler removal with faster recovery. If imaging shows close proximity to important anatomical features or complex root formation, a referral to an oral surgeon may be considered for a comprehensive surgical plan. Regular monitoring by your dentist helps determine the most appropriate timing for intervention.

Children who require extraction of a primary tooth are managed with techniques tailored to their developmental needs and comfort. Indications include over-retained baby teeth that block permanent eruption, severe decay, or trauma that compromises the tooth's health. Pediatric extractions emphasize clear communication with the child and caregiver, behavior management strategies, and appropriate anesthesia or sedation options to ensure a positive experience.

We coordinate care with parents to explain aftercare, expected healing, and how extraction may affect the developing bite. When removal is done to allow proper eruption of permanent teeth or to support orthodontic goals, timing is planned carefully to support normal growth. If you have concerns about a child's tooth, a timely evaluation helps determine whether extraction or an alternative approach is best.