Tooth Extraction

Why do some teeth need extraction?

A prognosis is a prediction. When a dentist diagnoses a tooth with a major problem, the dentist gives a prognosis or prediction of the success of dental treatment.

When an oncologist gives a cancer patient 6 months to live, he is predicting the outcome of the patient’s disease.

Similarly, a dentist gives a prognosis on a tooth to predict the outcome of its disease and any treatment it undergoes.

Hopeless Prognosis – A tooth is considered to have a hopeless prognosis when no dental treatment can restore it to normal function. In these cases, extraction is the only solution. Removing the tooth not only relieves pain but also prevents infection from spreading to other areas of the mouth or even the rest of the body.

Poor long-term prognosis – Some teeth can be repaired with dental treatments, but the results are unlikely to last. This is known as a poor long-term prognosis. Examples include cracked teeth, root canals that become reinfected, or teeth with severe decay. While extraction is not the only option in these cases, it is often the most effective and predictable choice for protecting long-term oral health.

What can I expect during a tooth extraction?

A tooth extraction is a minor surgical procedure. Before it begins, the area around the tooth is carefully numbed with a local anesthetic, so you won’t feel pain during the treatment. For patients who feel anxious or prefer a more relaxed experience, different types of sedation are also available—including options that allow you to be less aware of the procedure or even fully asleep.

Many patients choose to have teeth removed using only local anesthesia and remain completely comfortable throughout. While the anesthetic eliminates pain, you may still feel pressure as the dentist works to loosen and remove the tooth. Think of it like a baby tooth—sometimes they loosen on their own, but permanent teeth usually need a little help. The dentist gently applies controlled pressure to move the tooth until it can be taken out.

If at any point you feel pain rather than pressure, let your dentist know right away so they can give you more anesthetic and ensure you stay comfortable.

What is a surgical extraction?

There are some teeth that we are unable to remove with just pulling force. This can be due to severe breakdown of the tooth from a large cavity or crack. A tooth with an old root canal is also difficult to remove in one piece.

These teeth require different surgical techniques in order to remove the entire tooth with all of its roots.

There is no increase in pain during a surgical extraction versus a simple extraction. In fact, patients often state that they are less uncomfortable during a surgical extraction because there is less pushing.

A surgical extraction does carry an increased risk for dry socket afterwards. Post-operative instructions must be followed diligently to lower this risk.

What can I expect after a tooth extraction?

After an extraction, we give each patient strict post-operative instructions. These instructions help to minimize pain after the dental surgery.

It is normal for the surgical site to bleed for several hours after the procedure. Your instructions will include the protocol for the promotion of a healthy blood clot in the extraction site.

After the local anesthesia wears off, you will experience some post-operative pain. Most patients experience pain at the extraction site for the first 2-3 days and take over-the-counter medications to address it.

Stitches are not always necessary. We place stitches only as needed. If you do have stitches, you will receive instructions on care and removal of them.

The gum tissues will close over the extraction site after 2-3 weeks. It is important to keep the surgical site clean while it is healing.

Do you need a tooth extraction?

Call today to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled dentists at Premier Dental. We also offer restorative dental services to fill the gap left from missing teeth, such as dental implants and dental bridges. Schedule an appointment today or call our office to find an opening at one of our Ohio dental offices.