Tooth Extractions

Having a tooth extracted may be necessary for numerous reasons, such as decay, trauma and / or disease.

No matter why it may be necessary, tooth extraction is a routine procedure that the doctors here at Omaha & Council Bluffs Oral Surgery perform every day.

Continue reading to find out why a tooth extraction procedure may be necessary and how you can make sure that your tooth extraction healing time is as speedy and comfortable as possible.

Here at Omaha & Council Bluffs Oral Surgery, we make the tooth removal process easy.

Why Extraction Might Be Necessary

Tooth extraction, while not ideal, may be necessary to preserve overall oral health. Several factors can necessitate this procedure.

Periodontal disease, an infection of the gums, can progress to a point where tooth removal becomes essential. When teeth are difficult to clean, bacteria can accumulate, leading to infection and subsequent damage to the supporting bone and gum tissue. Additionally, severe tooth decay can weaken a tooth to the point where it’s no longer salvageable.

In cases of severe overcrowding, teeth may become misaligned or impacted, putting pressure on surrounding teeth and causing pain or discomfort. Extracting one or more teeth can alleviate this pressure and create space for orthodontic treatment.

Furthermore, certain dental injuries or infections may require tooth removal to prevent the spread of infection or to facilitate proper healing. Cysts or tumors that develop within the jawbone may also necessitate the extraction of an affected tooth.

While these situations may call for tooth extraction, it’s important to note that modern dentistry prioritizes tooth preservation. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices can help prevent many of the conditions that lead to tooth loss.

What To Expect

A typical tooth extraction takes about 30 to 60 minutes, although you should plan on being in our office for one-and-a-half to two hours to account for consultation, the actual tooth removal procedure and in-office recovery time.

Please let our staff and doctors know all medications you’re taking before the procedure.

Before your procedure, don’t eat or drink anything for at least eight hours prior to your appointment, avoiding mint sand gum. Arrange for someone to accompany you to our office in case of emergency and to drive you home after the procedure.

If you wear contacts, wear glasses on the day of your procedure and comfortable clothes and short sleeves to your appointment. If you have already filled out registration paperwork, please arrive five to 10 minutes early. If not, please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.

Patients under age 18 must have a legal guardian present to sign the consent form.
If your dentist already has taken X-rays, you can forward them to our office or bring them the day of your visit. If additional X-rays are necessary, they can be taken here.

Before your bone augmentation procedure, one of our dental assistants will go over your medical history with you. Your oral surgeon also will visit you to go over any concerns you may have. If you have any questions about medications, please call us before your procedure so we can consult with your physician.

Recovery Instructions

Following an extraction, you will need to allow a few days to recover at home. With proper rest and care, tooth extraction wounds typically heal quickly and without complications. Expect to rest at home for the first 24 hours, which means staying home from work or school. Limiting strenuous activity in the first few days will reduce bleeding and help the blood clot to form.

Minor swelling and discomfort are common symptoms of extracted teeth, and not cause for concern. Most swelling and pain can be managed by applying ice to the affected area following the procedure. Your oral surgeon may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe pain medications to minimize discomfort.

To speed the recovery process and reduce the risk for infection, patients should eat soft foods in the first few days following the extraction. Good, nutritious options include soup, yogurt, eggs and applesauce. As the extraction site heals, you can slowly add solid foods back to your diet.

How To Avoid Dry Socket

• Do not touch the wound for any reason other than changing gauze.
• Do not smoke for at least 72 hours after the procedure. We recommend quitting smoking entirely.
• Don’t eat any foods that may leave behind particles — such as popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, etc. — for at least four days.
• Eat only soft foods such as mashed potatoes, ice cream and pudding.
• Avoid carbonated soft drinks.
• Notify your oral surgeon before the wisdom teeth removal of all prescriptions.
• Avoid using a straw or sucking on hard candies for one week after the procedure.
• Do not participate in sports or engage in heavy lifting for five days.
• Do not jog or play musical wind instruments for at least four days.

Whether you have questions about teeth removal or any other procedure, we’re here to help.

Give us a call at Omaha: (402) 934-8999 or Council Bluffs: (712) 309-0480 where our specialists are happy to help you.