One of our dentist’s most frequently asked questions in West Edmonton is how long a tooth extraction takes. The process of removing teeth varies depending on the patient’s needs, so there are multiple things to consider when answering this question. Read on to learn more about the process for tooth extractions near you.
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
Patients at Westside Family Dental get their teeth extracted for a variety of reasons, including:
Tooth decay:
In the case of a diseased or infected tooth, our dentist near you may try to save it with root canal therapy before removing it; however, if they feel it will be unsuccessful, they will extract the tooth.
Dental trauma:
If you receive an injury to the mouth that damages your teeth and associated ligaments and tissue, it may lead to tooth extraction to correct and save your bite.
Overcrowding:
Sometimes, teeth are too large to fit in the jaw comfortably. While overcrowded teeth can be corrected using orthodontic treatments, our dentist often has to perform tooth extractions to make space for the teeth to realign.
These are some of the most common reasons our dentists will perform tooth extractions in Edmonton, but they are not the only reasons. Other reasons include severe gum disease and impacted wisdom teeth.
Types of Tooth Extraction Procedures
Two main types of procedures are used for tooth extractions. The procedure will be decided based on the individual needs of the patient:
Simple extractions:
These are most commonly used when a tooth is fully visible in the mouth and not broken. The tooth is loosened with a dental instrument and lifted from the socket during this process.
Surgical extractions:
These are used on teeth such as impacted wisdom teeth that have not yet erupted from the gum line. In this process, a small cut is made into the gum to remove the tooth.
Once our dentist has determined the type of tooth extraction you require, it will be easier to determine how long the process will take.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Whether you get a simple or surgical extraction, the process should be simple and not cause pain. Depending on the type of tooth extraction and necessary anesthetic, the entire process can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to two hours.
The process will begin with our dentist either providing you with a local anesthetic to numb the affected area or a general anesthetic to render you unconscious for the procedure. They will then loosen the tooth in the socket until they can pull it out.
Once the tooth has been extracted, our dentist must disinfect the area and close the socket. After this, they will ensure that your anesthetic has worn off before releasing you from the office. Most of the time, it takes fifteen minutes to one hour for the effects of the drugs to wear off.
Want to Learn More?
If you are considering getting tooth extractions and want to know how long your procedure will take, visit our team at Westside Family Dental. We are happy to thoroughly explain the tooth extraction process so that you feel comfortable and prepared for your procedure. Please get in touch with us to book your appointment today!