Types of Extractions
Not all extractions are the same procedure. The approach depends on the position of the tooth, how intact it is, and whether the roots present any complications.
Simple Extraction
A simple extraction is performed when the tooth is fully visible above the gumline and structurally sound enough to be removed intact. The area is numbed, the tooth is loosened with an elevator instrument, and removed with forceps. Recovery is typically straightforward.
Surgical Extraction
A surgical extraction is required when a tooth is below the gumline, broken at or near the surface, or impacted. It involves a small incision in the gum tissue to access and remove the tooth. Dr. Bounds handles these in-office, including impacted wisdom teeth in most cases.
After the Extraction
In the first hour after an extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket. Protecting that clot is the most important thing you can do for a smooth recovery. Bite down on the gauze provided, avoid spitting forcefully, and do not use a straw for the first 24 hours. Dislodging the clot leads to a painful condition called dry socket, which is avoidable with a little care.
For the first day, stick to soft foods: yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and similar options that do not require chewing near the extraction site. Some swelling is normal and usually peaks around 48 hours. Cold compresses applied to the outside of the cheek in 15-minute intervals help manage it.
Call the office if you experience increasing pain after the first 48 hours, signs of infection (fever, swelling that worsens rather than improves), or heavy bleeding that does not respond to gentle pressure. These situations are uncommon, but the team is reachable during business hours.
What Comes Next
Removing a tooth creates a gap that, if left unfilled, can allow neighboring teeth to shift over time. As adjacent teeth drift toward the open space, bite alignment changes, which can create new problems for teeth that were previously fine.
We discuss replacement options at the same appointment or at a follow-up: implants, bridges, or partial dentures, depending on the location of the tooth and your overall treatment picture. There is no pressure to decide on the day of the extraction, but it is a conversation worth having before the space has time to cause secondary problems.