Tooth Extraction & Wisdom Teeth

Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved. When that happens, removing it protects the rest of your mouth and stops the pain.

When extraction is needed

• Decay or damage too extensive to repair
• Infection spreading to the surrounding bone
• Crowding, or loosening from gum disease

The procedure

The area is numbed, the tooth is gently loosened and removed, and gauze is placed to control bleeding — most simple extractions take 15–30 minutes. Impacted wisdom teeth may need a small surgical procedure with stitches.

Aftercare

Bite on the gauze for 30–45 minutes, rest for the day, and use ice on the cheek. Eat soft foods, and for 24 hours avoid rinsing, straws, and smoking. Standard sites heal in 1–2 weeks; surgical sites in 2–4 weeks. Contact us if you have uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, fever, or discharge.