Tooth Extractions

In Roswell and Alpharetta, GA

Tooth Extractions Protect Your Smile

We all strive to keep our natural teeth. However, teeth that are too damaged to fix with a root canal or dental filling often need to be removed in order to preserve the patient’s oral health. If you require a tooth extraction, Drs. Galperin and Sotnikov of Northbridge Dental can help.

What Is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction refers to the methods used to remove teeth. There are two forms of extraction: simple and surgical. 

During a simple extraction, the tooth is loosened with a lifter or elevator tool, then gently removed from the gums with forceps. This procedure is recommended for teeth that are fully erupted, or are visible above the gum line. 

During a surgical extraction, your dentist makes small incisions into your gums to access the entirety of the tooth. A surgical extraction is most often needed for teeth that are badly damaged or impacted. Impacted teeth are only partially erupted or completely submerged below the gumline. This is most often the case for wisdom teeth.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to grow in, usually around the ages of 17 to 25. Because the human mouth has developed in such a way that there’s often no room for them, wisdom teeth can result in several painful symptoms. When wisdom teeth try to erupt, they can also cause crowding of other teeth. 

It’s not unheard of for wisdom teeth to erupt or grow beneath the gums at awkward angles or completely sideways. When wisdom teeth are pulled, they don’t have to be replaced. We encourage our patients to have their wisdom teeth extracted at younger ages to improve their chances of procedural success and to prevent the wisdom teeth from causing more oral health issues over time.

The Benefits of Tooth Extraction

Having to undergo a tooth extraction may sound unpleasant, but a tooth extraction can aid your oral health in a number of ways. Some of the benefits of tooth extraction include:

  • Prepares you for restorations such as bridges, dentures, and implants
  • Prepares you for orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign® and ClearCorrect®
  • Alleviates pain, soreness, and throbbing 
  • Stops the spread of infection
  • Protects the rest of your teeth and your gums
  • Helps correct overcrowding

Who Needs A Tooth Extraction?

You may need an extraction if you have any of the following dental issues:

  • Wisdom teeth
  • Impacted teeth
  • Crowding
  • Pain, throbbing, or soreness
  • Bad breath
  • Cysts on your gums
  • Extensive dental damage or decay
  • Red or swollen gums

Drs. Galperin and Sotnikov will thoroughly examine your mouth to evaluate your level of oral health before recommending tooth extraction. If you believe you have any of the above dental issues, contact our Alpharetta office at (678) 319-0210 or our Roswell office at (678) 352-9890.

The Tooth Extraction Process

Initial Consultation

Before proceeding with extraction, your dentist will have you attend an initial consultation. During your initial consultation, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, review your medical history, and ask you about your smile goals. From there, your dentist will discuss your other viable treatment options so you can make an informed decision. After you and your dentist have both decided to go through with the extraction, we’ll schedule your next appointment.

Preparation

To prepare you for extraction, we’ll apply a local anesthetic, which will ensure your extraction is pain-free. Once we’re sure the anesthetic is working properly, your dentist will proceed.

Tooth Extraction

For a simple tooth extraction, your dentist will loosen the tooth with a dental elevator, also called a luxator. Then, the tooth will be gently removed from the socket with forceps. 

For a surgical tooth extraction, your dentist will make small incisions into the gums. Using these incisions, they’ll be able to access the entirety of the tooth. They may also need to remove a small bit of bone before the tooth is fully exposed. They’ll typically break the tooth into pieces for easier removal.

Once the tooth is fully extracted, its socket is cleaned and disinfected. Your dentist may also install stitches and apply gauze to protect the removal site and aid in the healing process. 

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

After your tooth has been extracted, proper aftercare is vital. Some of the post-op guidelines for healing your dentists are likely to give you include the following:

  • Rinse gently with warm salt water or antimicrobial mouthwash after meals
  • Avoid exercise and strenuous activity for at least two days
  • Take medications as directed
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort
  • Replace gauze as needed, usually every 30 to 45 minutes during active bleeding
  • Avoid foods that are hard, brittle, chewy, crunchy or spicy for at least one week
  • Avoid alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, carbonation, and hot drinks for at least one week
  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, and sucking on straws for the first 72 hours 
  • Be gentle around the removal site when cleaning your teeth
  • Attend follow-up exams and bi-annual dental exams as needed  

Drs. Galperin and Sotnikov will give you more specific instructions depending on your individual needs.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a tooth extraction cost?

The cost of your tooth extraction will depend on several factors, most notably how many teeth need to be extracted, whether or not you require simple or surgical extraction, and your insurance. We encourage you to call your dental insurance provider beforehand to learn what your plan will cover. If you need help affording your treatment, Northbridge Dental accepts cash, most credit cards, and proudly offers third-party financing through CareCredit and LendingClub. 

Is there pain after tooth extraction?

After your tooth is extracted, some mild pain and discomfort is normal. Any soreness should fade within a few days, and should be easy to manage with over-the-counter pain medication. 

If you’re experiencing severe pain or pain lasting longer than one week post-op, it may point to a complication. Contact us immediately at our Alpharetta office by dialing (678) 319-0210 or our Roswell office at (678) 352-9890 for an appointment so we can resolve any issues you may be having. 

How long does it take to heal after a tooth extraction?

Recovering from a tooth extraction takes an average of three to four weeks. However, healing times will vary based on the kind of extraction you underwent, your postoperative habits, your body’s unique physiology, and other factors. Your dentist can give you a more accurate healing time estimate based on your case.

Call Us & Learn How Tooth Extractions Can Save Your Smile

We know your teeth are precious to you, but under the right circumstances, removing problem teeth can help protect and enhance your oral health. Necessary tooth extractions can save your smile from more costly, invasive procedures, while aiding an orthodontic treatment and making room for beneficial restorations. 

To learn more about how tooth extractions can help protect your smile,  contact our Alpharetta office at (678) 319-0210 or our Roswell office at (678) 352-9890. You can also fill out our contact form and a team member will be with you shortly.