7449 East Osborn Road #4 Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Protecting Your Oral Health for the Future
Losing a tooth is never the first choice — but sometimes it is the most important one. A tooth extraction is the careful, controlled removal of a tooth that can no longer be saved or that is causing harm to the surrounding teeth, gums, or jaw. Whether it is a severely decayed tooth, an impacted wisdom tooth, or one that has been damaged beyond repair, extraction is sometimes the most effective way to protect your overall oral health and set the stage for a healthy, complete smile going forward. At Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale, Dr. Brittain approaches every extraction with precision, care, and a focus on your long-term wellbeing.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Expressions such as “like getting teeth pulled” show what society at large believes about the dental extraction process, but that unpleasant mental image is a very outdated one. A modern dental practice such as Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale has all the right tools to ensure that your extraction will be as comfortable as possible. It usually takes less than an hour, and with a local anesthetic, if necessary, the tooth can be painlessly removed.
Before the extraction begins, Dr. Brittain will take X-rays to assess the position of the tooth and its roots, ensuring he has a complete picture of what to expect. The area around the tooth is thoroughly numbed so that you feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. For more complex extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth, Dr. Brittain may need to make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth fully. Once the tooth is removed, the site is cleaned and gauze is placed to help the area begin clotting and healing.
When Extraction is The Best Option
A tooth may require extraction for a variety of reasons. If the tooth is impacted in the gumline (particularly common with wisdom teeth), if there are serious crowding issues, or if the tooth is too damaged, rotted, or loose to be saved with root canal treatment, Dr. Brittain may determine that extraction is the best option. After the recovery period is over, it will be time to begin taking the prosthodontic or orthodontic steps needed to fill in your smile.
Dr. Brittain may recommend extraction in any of the following situations:
- Severe decay — When a cavity has progressed too far for a filling, crown, or root canal to reliably save the tooth
- Impacted wisdom teeth — Wisdom teeth that are unable to fully erupt can cause pain, crowding, and infection if left in place
- Serious crowding — In preparation for orthodontic treatment, one or more teeth may need to be extracted to create the space needed for proper alignment
- Recurring infection — A tooth that continues to cause abscess or infection despite treatment may need to come out to protect the surrounding bone and tissue
- Loose or failing tooth — Advanced gum disease can deteriorate the bone supporting a tooth to the point where extraction is the only viable option
What Dr. Brittain Can Do for Your Tooth
If you have a tooth that’s been bothering you, there’s no need for you to keep suffering out of fear of the dentist, and the problem is likely to worsen if it isn’t treated. Call us at 480-719-6994 or email us to schedule your appointment today, and Dr. Brittain will be able to determine if extraction is what your tooth needs or if there are other options, such as root canal treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is tooth extraction necessary?
A tooth extraction is recommended for severe decay, advanced gum disease, overcrowding, impacted wisdom teeth, or teeth that cannot be repaired.Is tooth extraction a painful procedure?
Most extractions are performed under local anesthesia or sedation, making the process comfortable with minimal pain during the procedure.What should I avoid after a tooth extraction?
Avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, hard foods, and vigorous rinsing to prevent complications like dry socket.What are my options after a tooth extraction?
Common tooth replacement options in the U.S. include dental implants, bridges, and partial dentures, all of which can restore function and appearance.How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Initial healing usually takes a few days, while full recovery may take 1–2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction.How much does a tooth extraction cost?
Costs vary by procedure type and insurance coverage, but many U.S. dental plans partially cover medically necessary extractions.How long does a tooth extraction procedure take?
Most simple tooth extractions take about 20–40 minutes, while surgical extractions may take longer depending on the tooth’s position and complexity.What is a dry socket, and how can I prevent it?
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged. Avoid smoking, straws, and vigorous rinsing to reduce the risk.Can I go back to work after a tooth extraction?
Many patients return to normal activities within 24 hours, but it’s best to rest if you had a surgical extraction or sedation.What can I eat after a tooth extraction?
Stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and soups for the first few days to protect the healing area.