Extractions in Newark
Chapel Street Dentistry provides dental extractions to patients in Newark and surrounding areas.
CALL 302-737-6761 To Learn More OR
CALL
302-737-6761 To Learn More OR
When a tooth is not restorable due to extensive decay, fracture or periodontal disease, it may need to be removed. An extraction may be recommended to prevent infection and achieve or maintain oral health.
Most extractions can be performed with the use of local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. If necessary nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can also be administered to reduce dental anxiety. The tooth is then gently loosened and removed. In situations where the patient desires a future replacement of the tooth with a dental implant a bone graft may be placed to preserve the bone to allow an implant to be placed. Stitches are sometimes needed, and may dissolve or require removal at a follow-up appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
While our goal is always to save your natural teeth, an extraction may be the best option if a tooth is too severely decayed or fractured to be repaired. Other common reasons include advanced gum disease, presence of tooth infection, impacted wisdom teeth, or to create space for orthodontic treatment.
The procedure itself is usually not painful because the area is numbed. Some soreness afterward is expected but can usually be managed with aftercare instructions. We use local anesthesia to completely numb the area, so you should only feel a sensation of pressure rather than pain during the procedure. For patients who feel particularly nervous, we also offer nitrous sedation options to help you feel fully relaxed.
Most patients feel back to normal within 3 to 7 days. While the initial healing of the gum tissue takes about a week, the underlying bone can take several months to fully fill back in. After care instructions are provided to ensure quick recovery time.
Stick to soft foods for the first 24 to 48 hours. Good options include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and lukewarm soups. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or very hot foods, and—most importantly—do not use a straw, as the suction can disturb the healing site.
Unless it’s a wisdom tooth, it is generally recommend replacing an extracted tooth. Leaving a gap can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of alignment and lead to bone loss in your jaw. We can discuss long-term solutions like dental implants or bridges before your extraction.