What Are Tooth Extractions?

Tooth extractions are one of the most common dental procedures, and over 50% of people need a tooth extraction due to dental cavities.

Even though tooth extractions are common, many people fear visiting the dentist to get this procedure done. If you're feeling anxious about getting a tooth extraction, understanding what this procedure involves will help ease any anxieties you're feeling.

It also helps to see an experienced dentist in Friendswood, TX, so they can address any questions and concerns that you're having.

Keep reading this guide to learn everything you need to know about tooth extractions!

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is when you get your tooth completely removed from its socket during a dental procedure. You'll also hear tooth extractions being referred to as "pulling a tooth."

When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?

Dentists aim to save your natural teeth when possible, but sometimes dental crowns or fillings won't be able to save your tooth. Your dentist will typically recommend a tooth extraction procedure if you have problems with your tooth, such as:

Severe tooth decay
Severe gum disease
Serious injuries that damage the ligaments and tissues that support your tooth
A severely cracked or fractured tooth
Crowded teeth
Impacted teeth

Before a tooth extraction, your dentist will assess the affected tooth and surrounding gum area. They'll also take x-rays to check your jawbone to determine the extent of any bone damage.

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction Procedure?

You'll typically receive local anesthesia to numb your tooth and surrounding gums. However, your dentist may recommend different types of anesthesia if your tooth extraction is more complicated or you have dental anxiety about the procedure.

Anesthesia Options

Your comfort during the procedure is essential, and many dentists offer sedation dentistry which typically includes medications such as:

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas you inhale through a mask
Oral conscious sedation is given in pill form and sometimes used with nitrous oxide
Intravenous sedation involves medications delivered to your bloodstream via an IV

Some people might need general anesthesia in a hospital setting for more complicated tooth extraction cases or if they have severe dental anxiety.

The Tooth Extraction

Once you have the anesthesia you need, your dentist will use special dental instruments to loosen your tooth and remove it from the socket. Your dentist may need to make an incision in your gums to access your tooth if it's severely damaged or decayed.

After your tooth is removed, the socket will be disinfected and cleaned thoroughly. You may also need stitches to ensure the area heals without problems.

Your dentist will then place gauze over the affected area so you can bite down to apply pressure to stop any bleeding and allow a blood clot to form. This blood clot serves as a protective barrier and must remain in place for proper healing to occur.

If this clot becomes dislodged, it can lead to a painful condition known as a dry socket which causes severe pain, and you'll need to see your dentist for treatment.

What Happens After a Tooth Extraction?

After your tooth extraction, you'll receive a list of instructions you need to follow immediately after your procedure to avoid any complications with healing.

The typical guidelines you'll receive include:

Clean the Extraction Site

Your dentist will instruct you not to rinse your mouth for 24 hours after the procedure and instead spit gently.

The following day, you'll need to rinse the site using an antimicrobial mouthwash at least 2 to 3 times daily. Avoid brushing the area directly, and ensure you practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing the rest of your teeth as you usually would.

Your dentist may also recommend you use warm salt water rinses 24 hours after the procedure. To do this, mix a half teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth a few times daily.

Take Your Medications as Directed

It's important not to miss taking your prescribed medications after this procedure.

Depending on the complexity of your tooth extraction, your dentist may prescribe pain relievers for you to take. You might also need to take antibiotics or over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen.

Use an Ice Pack

To reduce swelling after the procedure, apply an ice pack to your cheek for 10 minutes at a time, at least three times a day.

Avoid Strenuous Activity

Too much activity immediately after your procedure can elevate your heart rate and cause discomfort and bleeding. You'll need to rest and relax for the first 24 hours after tooth extraction and avoid strenuous physical activity for 48 to 72 hours.

Eat Soft Foods

You'll need to avoid crunchy or hard foods for the first few days. You'll also want to avoid using a straw for the first 24 hour hours as this could dislodge the clot that's formed and cause bleeding.

Your dentist will recommend that you stick to soft foods like eggs, yogurt, applesauce, pasta, or rice. Once you start healing, you can slowly start adding other foods to your diet.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Tooth Extraction?

Most of the time, tooth extraction recovery takes between 48 to 72 hours. After this, you can return to your normal activities.

However, your total healing time can take from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on how complicated your tooth extraction was.

Talk to a Dentist in Friendswood, TX, About Tooth Extractions

Now that you know more about tooth extractions, you'll know what to expect during the procedure and feel less anxious overall.

If you need to find a dentist in Friendswood, TX, that you can count on, then Dentistry 4 Children and Bay Area Dental Specialists has just what you're looking for.

We treat both adults and children and offer general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, and oral surgery services. From crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures, we offer a full array of dental care services to fit your needs.

We look forward to helping you, so make sure you contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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A little girl is sitting in a dental chair being examined by a dentist.

First Aid for Dental Injuries in Kids

By Dentistry 4 Children • March 17, 2025

According to Child Stats, it is estimated that three million kids go to the emergency room for injuries yearly. Dental injuries, in particular, are common in children, especially those who are active in sports, playground activities, or simply exploring their surroundings. Knowing what to do and how to respond to a dental emergency can be hectic if you do not know what to do. But if you act fast and have a plan, you can prevent complications, minimize pain, and even save a tooth. Understanding first aid for dental injuries can help parents and your local family dentist provide immediate care before seeking professional treatment at a trusted pediatric dentist in Pearland . Common Types of Dental Injuries in Kids Children can experience various dental injuries, ranging from minor chips to severe trauma that requires emergency dental care. One of the most frequent injuries is a chipped or broken tooth. This is often caused by falls but can also be due to bike accidents or biting into hard objects. While minor chips may not cause immediate pain, more extensive fractures can expose nerves and lead to significant discomfort. Another serious dental injury is a knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth. When a permanent tooth is completely dislodged from the mouth, immediate action is crucial to improve the chances of saving it. In contrast, if a baby tooth is knocked out prematurely, attempting to reinsert it can cause damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath. A loose or displaced tooth is another common issue that can occur due to blunt force trauma. While some cases resolve independently, others require professional dental evaluation to ensure the surrounding structures remain intact. If your child experiences a dental emergency, learning about common pediatric dental emergencies can help you take the proper steps. Tooth intrusion occurs when a tooth is pushed further into the gums due to an impact. This type of injury is more common in younger children whose jawbones are still developing. Tooth intrusion can lead to complications, such as damage to the underlying permanent teeth, making it essential to visit an emergency pediatric dentist in Friendswood for proper assessment. Lastly, injuries to the lips, tongue, or gums often accompany dental trauma. These soft tissue injuries can cause significant bleeding and pain, increasing the risk of infection if not properly treated. Immediate First Aid Steps for Dental Injuries Providing immediate comprehensive oral care for dental injuries can significantly improve the outcome. For a chipped or broken tooth, it is essential to rinse the child's mouth with warm water to remove debris. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. If possible, collect any broken fragments and bring them to a dentist. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, locate it and handle it only by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and have the child bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not feasible, store the tooth in milk or the child's saliva and seek emergency dental care immediately. For a step-by-step guide on managing a knocked-out tooth, check out this helpful resource on handling pediatric dental emergencies . Stabilizing a loose or displaced tooth by having the child bite down gently on a piece of gauze is essential. Avoid repositioning the tooth forcefully, as this could cause additional damage. A child-friendly dentist should assess the injury as soon as possible. Tooth intrusion should be treated with caution. Attempting to reposition the tooth at home is not recommended. Instead, apply a cold compress if the tooth is swelling and schedule an emergency dental visit. Seeking care from a pediatric emergency dentist in Friendswood can ensure the injury is managed appropriately. For soft tissue injuries, such as cuts to the lips, tongue, or gums, applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze can help control bleeding. A cold compress can reduce swelling, and rinsing with salt water may help prevent infection. When to Seek Professional Dental Care While minor dental injuries may not require immediate attention from a family dentistry practice, certain signs indicate the need for urgent dental care. Severe pain, swelling, excessive bleeding, or a knocked-out permanent tooth warrant an emergency visit to a dentist. Additionally, any signs of infection, such as: Pus Fever Red streaks near the injury site These should not be ignored. Understanding when to seek professional care can help prevent long-term complications. Parents can find more information on common pediatric dental emergencies . Prevention Tips to Reduce Dental Injuries While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, certain precautions can help minimize the risk of dental injuries in children. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during sports and recreational activities provides essential protection against impacts. Childproofing the home by securing furniture edges and installing safety gates can prevent falls that lead to dental trauma. Encouraging children to avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy can also reduce the likelihood of chipped or broken teeth. Teaching good dental hygiene habits , including brushing and flossing regularly, strengthens teeth and enhances their resilience against injury. Additionally, parents should be prepared for unexpected dental emergencies while traveling. Knowing where to find emergency dental care can be invaluable in an unfamiliar location. If your child experiences a dental emergency away from home, reviewing these tips for handling dental emergencies while traveling can be beneficial. Need a Local Family Dentist? Contact Dentistry 4 Children Understanding first aid for dental injuries in children can make a significant difference in preserving their oral health. By acting quickly and getting affordable dental services, parents and caregivers can reduce pain, prevent complications, and increase the chances of saving an injured tooth. Here at Dentistry 4 Children, we know how scary these accidents can be for children. That is why we do everything possible to provide a safe and supportive local family dentist environment. So contact us today to get your child the help they need.