Tooth Extractions

When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?

A tooth extraction is performed only after all alternatives have been considered and ruled out. Situations that may lead to an extraction include:

Infection or risk of infection from decay (may require emergency tooth extraction)
A tooth that is severely damaged from trauma (may require emergency tooth extraction)
Impacted wisdom teeth (results in a wisdom tooth extraction)
Overcrowded teeth (often requires orthodontic treatment)

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Please view our Tooth Extraction Post-Op Aftercare documentation.

After your extraction, your recovery typically takes a couple of days. The following tips will help you relieve discomfort and avoid complications.

Take pain relievers as prescribed or recommended.
Leave gauze in place for the recommended amount of time.
Apply ice for 10 minutes at a time to minimize swelling after the procedure.
Avoid rinsing, sucking, using a straw, or spitting for 24 hours after the procedure.
After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with ½ teaspoon of salt and warm water.
Do not smoke.
Eat soft foods the day after the extraction; gradually add solid foods as the extraction site heals.
Avoid the extraction site when brushing your teeth.

When teeth must be removed, especially ones that appear in your smile, there are a number of natural-looking, permanent tooth-replacement options, such as implants, that can give your smile a second chance.

At Smile Perfection we understand that having a complete, natural smile is key to feeling confident in your daily life. We also know that on occasion, circumstances may arise that require a patient to receive a routine or emergency tooth extraction in order to preserve overall oral health. As your Tucson, AZ, dentist, Sharad Pandhi, D.D.S., knows that the decision to extract can be a difficult one, so he makes sure that every aspect of the procedure is as stress-free and comfortable for our patients as possible by keeping you well informed, aware of what is happening, and aware of what your choices are along the way.