Tooth Extractions in Nashua and Bedford NH

Tooth extraction may be needed for a variety of reasons, including severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, or a tooth broken beyond repair. Teeth may also require removal

because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth) or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

Do I Need a Tooth Extraction?

Despite the many reasons for teeth extraction, the removal of even a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can significantly impact your dental health. To avoid these complications, in most cases, Drs. Torio, Decoteau, Burk, Madden, or Farr will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

However, there are times when tooth removal is the best option for your oral health. These may include:

• Severe periodontal disease
• An abscessed tooth
• An impacted tooth
• A damaged tooth that cannot be repaired with a filling, onlay, or crown
• Severe pain despite treatment such as a root canal
• Tooth crowding or misalignment
• Orthodontic treatment that requires tooth removal

The Tooth Extraction Process

Despite some patients’ apprehension about tooth extraction, the process is painless and relatively quick. We also offer different levels of sedation to ensure you are comfortable if anxious or in discomfort.  After having a tooth extracted, you can usually return to your normal activities within 48-72 hours.

Before extraction, the doctor numbs the tooth, jawbone, and gums with a local anesthetic. You will not feel any pain, but you will experience pressure as the doctor rocks the tooth back and forth to loosen it in the socket. If you feel pain at any point during the extraction, let us know immediately so we can administer an additional anesthetic to the area.

If the tooth is difficult to remove, your doctor may divide the tooth by cutting it into sections. This allows for easier removal if the tooth root is firmly anchored or curved and the socket does not expand enough when the tooth is rocked.

Recovering from Tooth Extraction

After the anesthetic has worn off, you will have mild pain and sensitivity for one to three days, which is easily controlled with over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs on the cheek over the extraction area. To promote quick recovery and minimize discomfort, keep the following tips in mind:

• Bite down firmly on the gauze placed on the extraction site. This helps a blood clot form to protect the socket. You may have some oozing in the first 24 hours.
• Get plenty of rest in the first 24 hours.
• When resting, keep your head elevated for the first 24 hours.
• Eat a soft diet the first day and drink lots of non-carbonated liquids.
• Avoid any teeth extraction areas when brushing your teeth. Do not use toothpaste, as spitting could dislodge the blood clot.
• Rinse the mouth gently 3-4 times a day with warm (not hot) salt water, letting the water drain out of your mouth rather than spitting.
• Do not suck on a straw or chew over the extraction site, as this can dislodge the clot and cause a painful dry socket.
• Avoid hot liquids, alcohol, and smoking for a few days, as these can increase swelling and slow healing.

At Apex OMFS, our doctors regularly perform teeth extractions. They have years of experience in minimizing discomfort while ensuring a clean extraction with minimal disruption. If you have a severe toothache or are concerned about symptoms that may indicate you need a tooth removed, contact us at 603-883-4008 or schedule an appointment online.