Tooth extraction
tooth extraction · tooth removal · having a tooth pulled
The dentist removes a tooth with local numbing. It usually takes a few minutes.
When a tooth cannot be saved: badly damaged, infected, or loose, or before dentures or braces.
⏱ Duration: usually 15 to 30 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. Eat 1 to 2 hours before your visit. After the extraction, you cannot eat for 2 hours.
- Alcohol. No alcohol for a day before and after.
What to bring
- An X-ray of the tooth, if you had one
How it goes
- The dentist checks the tooth and takes an X-ray if needed
- A numbing injection is given. In a few minutes your gum and lip go numb
- The dentist loosens the tooth and takes it out
- A gauze pad is placed on the socket. Bite down on it
What you'll feel
- Pressure and cracking sounds are normal. It should not hurt
- If it hurts, tell the dentist and you will get more numbing
Afterwards
- Keep biting on the gauze for 20 to 30 minutes
- Do not eat for 2 hours. For the first day: no hot or spicy food, no straws, no smoking
- Do not rinse hard on the first day. A blood clot needs to stay in the socket
- Swelling and mild pain for 2 to 3 days are normal
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Bleeding that does not stop for more than an hour
- Swelling and pain that get worse after day 3, fever, or a bad smell from the socket
Common questions
Can I rinse my mouth after an extraction?
Not on the first day. You could wash out the clot, and the socket may get inflamed. After that, only gentle mouth baths, as your dentist advises.