Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is the removal of the tooth from its socket in the bone in cases that cannot be treated. If the tooth has decayed, this procedure is usually applied. In case of decay, if root canal treatment cannot be applied to the tooth, it must be extracted.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
- Extra teeth that prevent permanent ones from coming through
- Retained baby teeth that need to be removed to allow permanent teeth to grow
- Tooth extraction may be necessary for braces to create space for teeth to align properly
- Patients undergoing radiation treatment in the head and neck region may need to have teeth extracted
- Emergencies where immediate tooth removal is required
Surgical Extraction vs. Simple Extraction
There are two types of tooth extractions. The first is called a simple extraction. As you can probably tell from the name, this is a basic, minimally invasive procedure. When a tooth is entirely visible in the mouth, we can remove it without affecting the surrounding bone or gums.
The other type of extraction is known as a surgical extraction. Sometimes, a tooth or a piece of a tooth will be stuck below the gumline. In these cases, the dentist or oral surgeon has to move or remove gum or bone tissue in order to extract what is left of the tooth.
A surgical extraction is more complex. It differs from a simple extraction in two ways. First, your gums need to be moved away so the dentist or oral surgeon has direct access to the jawbone. The doctor will make a small incision & pull back your gums to make a “gum flap.” Second, they sometimes need to remove a small amount of bone from your jaw so they can remove stubborn tooth fragments that are stuck in the socket. Using a drill, they carefully remove as little bone as possible. This is surgery, so you will need stitches after undergoing a surgical tooth extraction. Your dentist or oral surgeon may also need to prescribe you pain medication for a few days following your procedure.
How to Recover From a Tooth Extraction
Our dentists recommend treating the affected area gently and with the needed care after your extraction. Doing so will quicken the recovery process and reduce complications, so you can get back to your normal activities.
Make sure to eat soft, nutritious foods and consume plenty of water during your recovery. You can brush and floss your teeth as usual but avoid brushing the targeted area until it is sufficiently healed. Thoroughly rinse and wash your mouth with water 12 hours after your procedure and do so three times a day until it’s fully healed to keep the area clean.
Schedule a follow-up exam if you experience continued pain, soreness, or inflammation after recovery. Our team will assess your mouth, find the cause of your continual pain, and develop a treatment to get you back to normal.
Aftercare
The most important part of tooth removal is the aftercare. Whether you have a simple or surgical extraction, you need to carefully follow your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s directions. Failing to properly care for the tooth socket makes it much more difficult to heal.
After you have a tooth removed, the empty socket eventually fills with a blood clot. Like a scab, a blood clot helps stop the bleeding. This is the beginning of the healing process, so your job is to make sure that nothing happens to that blood clot. Do not touch it!
For about three days after the extraction, you also need to avoid smoking, drinking out of straws, spitting, or blowing your nose. All of these things create a level of pressure that can dislodge the blood clot & open the socket. If this happens, you will get what is known as a dry socket. Dry sockets are painful & require intervention. Please call us right away if you get one.
After having a tooth removed, you may notice changes in your jaw. With a newly opened space, your teeth & jawbone can shift. Losing a tooth can have a major impact on your dental health & quality of life. If you want to prevent this, you can fill that space with a dental bridge or a dental implant. Contact us if you want to know more about your options for replacing a missing tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Extraction is a last resort. Dr. Mehta will explore all restorative options - root canal, crown, bonding, or gum treatment - before recommending removal. Extraction is recommended only when a tooth is non-restorable, poses infection risk, or would compromise surrounding teeth.
Oxford Smiles performs simple extractions (fully erupted teeth removed with forceps under local anesthesia) and surgical extractions (teeth broken below the gumline, impacted, or requiring bone removal). Both are commonly performed in-office with anesthesia or sedation.
The extraction socket closes with gum tissue within 1–2 weeks. Complete bone healing takes 3–6 months. During healing, avoid hard foods on the extraction side, maintain gentle oral hygiene around the site, and follow post-operative instructions provided by Oxford Smiles.
Bite on gauze for 30–45 minutes, take medications as prescribed, apply ice for the first 24 hours, eat soft foods, and gently rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours. Avoid: straws, smoking, alcohol, vigorous rinsing, and strenuous exercise for 48–72 hours.
Replacement options include a dental implant (most permanent), a fixed bridge, or a removable partial denture. Implant planning can begin immediately in some cases. Oxford Smiles will discuss your replacement options at the extraction appointment so you have a clear path forward.
Flexible Financing & Insurance options
We strive to make dental care affordable and accessible for all our patients. That's why we accept most major insurances, and will work with you to help you understand your plan and maximize your benefits. If you have questions about insurance, or anything at all, give us a call to speak with one of our friendly insurance experts. Don't see your insurance listed? Give us a call on (508) 290-8714, and we'll walk you through all your options!
No Insurance? No Problem.
Flexible financing & membership plans available
We offer Quality Membership Plans along with flexible financing options through LendingClub, Sunbit, and CareCredit. Quality dental care is an investment in your health and happiness and we believe the cost of treatment should never stand in the way of your ideal smile. That's why we partner with trusted healthcare lenders, allowing you to create personalized payment plans that fit your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Dr. Aditya Mehta – Compassionate Cosmetic & General Dentist
Dr. Mehta, inspired by a family legacy of 15 doctors, brings a deep-rooted passion for healthcare to his work at Oxford Smiles in Marlborough. With a commitment to excellence, he combines advanced dentistry with a warm, personalized approach to ensure every patient feels valued and cared for.
He specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry. Dr. Mehta focuses on creating natural-looking smiles, offering comfortable, anxiety-free visits, and staying at the forefront of dental innovation through continuous education. Trusted for both his gentle care and expertise, Dr. Mehta helps patients achieve lasting oral health with a strong emphasis on transparency and trust.
Our Blogs
Insights, Tips, and Trends to Keep You Informed
What Our Patients Are Saying…
We take great pride in extending our exceptional care to patients not only within Marlborough but also from diverse locations, ensuring that our commitment to service reaches beyond boundaries.
One Location, Countless Smiles
We take great pride in extending our exceptional care to patients not only
within Marlborough
but also from diverse locations, ensuring that our
commitment to service reaches beyond boundaries.
- Marlborough
- Auburn
- Maynard
- Bolton
- Hudson
- Framingham
- Westborough
- Shrewsbury
- Northborough
- Southborough
- Hopkinton
- Ashland