Extractions

The most common reasons for tooth loss include advanced periodontal disease, extensive tooth decay, and facial trauma. According to statistics, gum disease is responsible for close to 70% of tooth loss in adults. Although less frequent than the preceding three reasons, it should also be noted that specific diseases, drugs, smoking, and poor nutrition contribute to the risk of tooth loss.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in the United States, an average of 12 teeth (including the wisdom teeth) are lost by the age of 50. Also, 26% of adults between 65 and 74 years of age have lost all their teeth.

Every patient and every situation is different. However, when a tooth and the surrounding tissues are numbed with a local anesthetic, you should only expect to feel a bit of pressure, but no pain as the tooth is being loosened from the surrounding tissues and extracted. For patients who are apprehensive and for some surgical extractions, our office will discuss our options in dental sedation to provide further relaxation and reduce any sense of discomfort.

While it's normal to feel some tenderness and swelling following an extraction, the degree of these sensations can vary. It mostly depends on the complexity of the extraction and the body's response to the procedure. We'll recommend or prescribe the appropriate pain medication to help ensure your comfort and give you specific instructions for maximum effectiveness and safety.

Typically, the recovery period following a simple extraction is shorter than a surgical extraction. However, a patient's overall health, habits, the size and location of the tooth, and other variables can influence recovery and healing. To speed up the recovery and avoid any complications, patients must follow the given at-home instructions diligently. We'll carefully review what to expect following your procedure and go over your post-op instructions.

Smoking interferes with blood clot formation, which is an essential first step in the healing process. Blood clot formation not only provides a protective layer to cover the underlying exposed bone and nerve endings, but it also supports the growth of new tissue. Cigarette smoke also contains chemical toxins that can disrupt the healing process and lead to problems such as continued inflammation, infection, or dry socket.

In a very small percentage of cases, a condition known as dry socket can develop in the aftermath of a dental extraction. This painful condition can arise when the blood clot in the extraction site doesn't form properly or gets dislodged. With dry socket, you may experience throbbing pain and symptoms such as bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. As skilled providers of care, our office will provide immediate treatment to alleviate your discomfort and promote healing.

The last teeth in your mouth to develop, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully erupt or may be positioned in the wrong direction. These issues can affect your dental health as well as overall wellbeing. While some individuals never develop all their wisdom teeth, and a few have sufficient space for them, there are many people with partially or fully impacted third molars. Our office will monitor the development, position, and health of your wisdom teeth and will advise you if and when extractions are indicated.

After a tooth is removed, bone-grafting material is sometimes placed in the socket to promote healing and encourage new bone development. This procedure is often performed to support the eventual and successful placement of a dental implant.

At the office of Morrison Dental Care, we strive to make dental care affordable and accessible. Depending on the type or complexity of the extraction and other variables, the cost of the procedure can vary. Based on our diagnostic findings, our office will inform you of the healthiest choices in care, explain the fees, discuss insurance coverage, and explain your payment options.

Many dental plans offer some level of coverage for tooth extractions. We'll advise you if your plan covers the full cost of the procedure and if there is any out-of-pocket expense. Our business office will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits as much as possible while helping you minimize any out-of-pocket expenses.

Teeth are removed when keeping them would harm oral health or overall well-being. Common reasons include severe decay that has destroyed the tooth structure, advanced periodontal disease that has weakened the supporting bone and gums, traumatic fractures that cannot be repaired, and problematic wisdom teeth that are impacted or damaging adjacent teeth. Primary (baby) teeth that fail to fall out on schedule and block the eruption of permanent teeth may also require extraction to support normal development.

Removing a tooth is considered only after conservative options have been evaluated and when extraction provides the best long-term outcome for function and health. Your dentist will explain why extraction is recommended and discuss how removing a tooth can prevent infection, pain, shifting of neighboring teeth, and other complications.

Determining whether a tooth can be saved begins with a thorough clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging, such as digital radiographs, to assess root anatomy, bone support, and the extent of decay or damage. The dentist will consider factors like the amount of remaining tooth structure, the health of the tooth's nerve, periodontal status, and the patient's overall medical history. If restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, or periodontal procedures can reliably restore function and health, extraction is typically avoided.

When a tooth is extensively compromised, has a poor prognosis despite treatment, or poses a risk to surrounding tissues, extraction becomes the more predictable option. Your dentist will review alternatives and explain the risks and benefits of saving the tooth versus removal so you can make an informed decision together.

Extractions are generally classified as simple or surgical. A simple extraction is performed when the tooth is visible in the mouth and can be removed with forceps after the area is numbed with a local anesthetic; this procedure is straightforward and appropriate for many non-impacted teeth. Surgical extractions involve making a small incision in the gum and sometimes removing a small amount of bone to access teeth that are broken, impacted, ankylosed, or otherwise not easily retrievable.

Surgical cases may be handled in-office by the dentist or referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon when specialized techniques or sedation are needed. Prior to any extraction, the type of procedure is explained, including anesthesia options and expected recovery, so patients know what to expect.

During an extraction you should not feel pain because the area will be numb from a local anesthetic, and additional sedation options are available for anxious patients. The dentist monitors comfort throughout the procedure and can provide supplemental anesthesia or discuss conscious sedation if needed to promote relaxation. Communication about any discomfort during the procedure is encouraged so adjustments can be made immediately.

After the anesthetic wears off, some soreness and mild to moderate discomfort are normal as tissues begin to heal. Your dentist will recommend an appropriate pain management plan, which may include over-the-counter nonaspirin analgesics or prescribed medications, and provide clear instructions to minimize discomfort and support healing.

Before any extraction, it is important to provide a complete medical history, including current medications, known allergies, chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, and any history of bleeding disorders. Be sure to mention recent surgeries, recent illnesses, or if you are pregnant, as these factors can affect treatment planning and healing. Certain medications, like blood thinners or immune-suppressing drugs, may require coordination with your physician to manage perioperative risk.

Additionally, if you have a history of infective endocarditis or specific cardiac conditions, the dentist may discuss antibiotic premedication based on current guidelines and your physician's recommendations. Full disclosure helps the dental team tailor care, take appropriate precautions, and reduce the risk of complications.

Preparation depends on the complexity of the extraction and whether sedation will be used. For simple in-office extractions with local anesthesia, you can generally eat a light meal beforehand unless instructed otherwise and arrange for routine transportation; for sedation or general anesthesia, follow fasting and arrival instructions provided by the office and plan for someone to drive you home. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid alcohol or recreational drugs before your appointment.

Bring a list of medications and any relevant medical records or physician contact information if your dentist has requested medical clearance. The office will provide preoperative instructions tailored to your case, so follow those directions closely to help ensure a smooth procedure and recovery.

In the first two days, follow the post-operative instructions to support clot formation and reduce swelling: maintain gentle pressure with gauze as directed, avoid rinsing vigorously or using a straw, and refrain from smoking or using tobacco products. Apply an ice pack to the outside of the face in short intervals during the first 24 hours to control swelling, and keep your head elevated when resting to minimize bleeding and discomfort. Stick to soft foods and room-temperature liquids initially, and gradually return to a normal diet as healing progresses.

Take prescribed or recommended medications exactly as directed and practice gentle oral hygiene to keep the area clean without disturbing the healing site. If sutures were placed, attend any scheduled follow-up so your dentist can monitor healing and remove sutures if needed.

While most extractions heal without problems, contact the dental office promptly if you experience uncontrolled or heavy bleeding that does not subside with pressure, a sudden increase in pain after initial improvement, or signs of infection such as fever, persistent swelling, or a bad taste or odor in the mouth. Numbness that persists beyond the expected timeframe, difficulty breathing, or breathing changes are urgent concerns that require immediate attention. Any unexpected or worsening symptoms should be reported so the team can assess and intervene if necessary.

Your dentist will provide specific emergency contact instructions and advise when to seek in-person evaluation or referral to a specialist. Early communication helps address complications promptly and supports the best possible outcome.

The timing for replacing an extracted tooth depends on the reason for extraction, the condition of the surrounding bone and tissues, and the chosen replacement method. In some cases, immediate replacement with a temporary prosthesis or an implant placed at the time of extraction is appropriate, while other situations benefit from a short healing period to allow soft tissue and bone to recover. Your dentist will evaluate the site and discuss the safest, most predictable timeline for restoration.

Common replacement options include removable dentures, fixed dental bridges, and dental implants with crowns. Dental implants are the most advanced option for long-term function and preservation of jawbone, but suitability is determined by bone volume, overall health, and treatment goals; the dentist will review the advantages and expected process for each option.

Select a practice that emphasizes patient safety, clear communication, and comprehensive care planning. Look for providers who perform thorough evaluations with digital imaging, discuss anesthesia and sedation options when appropriate, and outline both immediate and long-term treatment plans including replacement options if a tooth must be removed. A collaborative approach that answers questions, explains risks and benefits, and coordinates care with medical professionals when necessary helps ensure predictable outcomes.

At Morrison Dental Care in Clifton Park, patients can expect a team-focused approach that combines experienced clinicians with modern diagnostics and in-house restorative options when appropriate. Choosing a practice that prioritizes comfort, informed consent, and continuity of care helps patients feel confident throughout the extraction and recovery process.