Tooth extraction

Surgery Overview

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A tooth that is severely damaged may need to be removed. A surgeon who specializes in surgeries of the mouth (oral and maxillofacial surgeon) or your dentist can remove a tooth.

Before removing your tooth, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. A stronger, general anesthetic may be used, especially if several or all of your teeth need to be removed. General anesthetic prevents pain in the whole body and will make you groggy or sleep through the procedure.

After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches. You can gently bite down on a cotton gauze pad placed over the wound to help stop the bleeding. The removed tooth can be replaced with an implant, a denture, or a bridge. A bridge is a replacement for one or more (but not all) of the teeth and may be permanent or removable.

What To Expect After Surgery

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In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. The following will help speed recovery:

• Take painkillers as prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Make your own salt water by mixing () of salt in a medium-sized glass [] of warm water.
• Change gauze pads before they become soaked with blood.
• Relax after surgery. Physical activity may increase bleeding.
• Eat soft foods, such as gelatin, pudding, or a thin soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
• Do not lie flat. This may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows.
• Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue.
• Continue to carefully brush your teeth and tongue.

The dentist will remove the stitches after a few days.

Why It Is Done

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Removing a tooth is necessary when decay or an abscessed tooth is so severe that no other treatment will cure the infection.

How Well It Works

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Removing the tooth can help keep infection from spreading to other areas of your mouth.

Risks

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Dental surgery can allow bacteria in the mouth to enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body. People who have difficulty fighting off infections may need to take antibiotics before and after dental surgery. This includes those who:

• Have damaged or artificial heart valves.
• Were born with heart defects.
• Have had bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the lining of the heart.
• Have diabetes or another disease that causes an impaired immune system.
• Have liver disease (cirrhosis).
• Have artificial joints, such as a hip replacement.
• Take steroids for other conditions, such as Crohn's disease or asthma.

What To Think About

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An extraction should be done as soon as possible to avoid the spread of infection and more serious problems. In cases in which a root canal treatment might not save the tooth, your dentist may recommend that the tooth be removed and a bridge or implant installed.

Complete the surgery information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.

Credits

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Author	Ralph Poore
Editor	Cynthia Tank
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
Last Updated	March 23, 2007