Extractions

The most common reasons for tooth loss include advanced periodontal disease, extensive tooth decay, and facial trauma. According to statistics, gum disease is responsible for close to 70% of tooth loss in adults. Although less frequent than the preceding three reasons, it should also be noted that specific diseases, drugs, smoking, and poor nutrition contribute to the risk of tooth loss.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in the United States, an average of 12 teeth (including the wisdom teeth) are lost by the age of 50. Also, 26% of adults between 65 and 74 years of age have lost all their teeth.

Every patient and every situation is different. However, when a tooth and the surrounding tissues are numbed with a local anesthetic, you should only expect to feel a bit of pressure, but no pain as the tooth is being loosened from the surrounding tissues and extracted. For patients who are apprehensive and for some surgical extractions, our office will discuss our options in dental sedation to provide further relaxation and reduce any sense of discomfort.

While it's normal to feel some tenderness and swelling following an extraction, the degree of these sensations can vary. It mostly depends on the complexity of the extraction and the body's response to the procedure. We'll recommend or prescribe the appropriate pain medication to help ensure your comfort and give you specific instructions for maximum effectiveness and safety.

Typically, the recovery period following a simple extraction is shorter than a surgical extraction. However, a patient's overall health, habits, the size and location of the tooth, and other variables can influence recovery and healing. To speed up the recovery and avoid any complications, patients must follow the given at-home instructions diligently. We'll carefully review what to expect following your procedure and go over your post-op instructions.

Smoking interferes with blood clot formation, which is an essential first step in the healing process. Blood clot formation not only provides a protective layer to cover the underlying exposed bone and nerve endings, but it also supports the growth of new tissue. Cigarette smoke also contains chemical toxins that can disrupt the healing process and lead to problems such as continued inflammation, infection, or dry socket.

In a very small percentage of cases, a condition known as dry socket can develop in the aftermath of a dental extraction. This painful condition can arise when the blood clot in the extraction site doesn't form properly or gets dislodged. With dry socket, you may experience throbbing pain and symptoms such as bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. As skilled providers of care, our office will provide immediate treatment to alleviate your discomfort and promote healing.

The last teeth in your mouth to develop, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully erupt or may be positioned in the wrong direction. These issues can affect your dental health as well as overall wellbeing. While some individuals never develop all their wisdom teeth, and a few have sufficient space for them, there are many people with partially or fully impacted third molars. Our office will monitor the development, position, and health of your wisdom teeth and will advise you if and when extractions are indicated.

After a tooth is removed, bone-grafting material is sometimes placed in the socket to promote healing and encourage new bone development. This procedure is often performed to support the eventual and successful placement of a dental implant.

At the office of Nova Dental, we strive to make dental care affordable and accessible. Depending on the type or complexity of the extraction and other variables, the cost of the procedure can vary. Based on our diagnostic findings, our office will inform you of the healthiest choices in care, explain the fees, discuss insurance coverage, and explain your payment options.

Many dental plans offer some level of coverage for tooth extractions. We'll advise you if your plan covers the full cost of the procedure and if there is any out-of-pocket expense. Our business office will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits as much as possible while helping you minimize any out-of-pocket expenses.

Tooth removal is recommended when it is the safest choice to protect your overall oral health rather than a first option. Common reasons include uncontrolled infection, extensive decay that leaves the tooth nonrestorable, severe fractures, advanced periodontal disease, impacted wisdom teeth, or planned orthodontic treatment that requires space. Clinicians also consider how a problematic tooth may affect adjacent teeth, bite function, and long‑term stability of your smile.

The decision follows a thorough evaluation of your mouth, dental images, and medical history so that alternatives and risks are clearly explained. When possible the goal is to preserve natural teeth, but extraction is advised when it best prevents ongoing pain or the spread of infection. You should receive a clear explanation of why removal is recommended and how it fits into your longer term treatment plan.

The distinction between a simple and a surgical extraction depends on how much of the tooth is visible and how it is positioned in the jaw. A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is fully erupted and accessible in the mouth, while a surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is broken at the gum line, impacted, fused to bone, or has an irregular root form that requires sectioning or minor bone removal.

Diagnosis relies on a clinical exam and radiographs to evaluate root shape, proximity to important structures, and surrounding bone. Your dentist will explain the planned approach, outline anesthesia options, and recommend referral to an oral surgeon when the complexity or patient medical needs call for specialist care.

Preparation begins with a review of your medical history, current medications, and any allergies so the team can identify precautions and customize care. If you use blood thinners, have a heart condition, or take medications that affect healing, coordinate with your medical provider before the appointment and notify the practice so any necessary clearances or instructions can be arranged.

Follow any fasting or medication guidance provided if you will receive sedation, and arrange transportation when required. Bring a list of medications to the visit, wear comfortable clothing, and ask the clinician any questions about what to expect so you feel prepared and informed before the procedure.

Local anesthesia is the primary method for pain control during most extractions, providing targeted numbness of the treatment area while you remain awake. For patients with dental anxiety, medical conditions, or for more complex surgical procedures, additional options such as nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or intravenous sedation may be offered to enhance comfort and reduce stress.

The choice of anesthesia or sedation depends on your health history, the complexity of the extraction, and your comfort preferences, and the team will review risks, benefits and monitoring protocols beforehand. When deeper sedation or general anesthesia is required, treatment may be coordinated with or referred to an appropriately equipped surgical facility or oral surgeon.

On the day of the procedure you will undergo a short preoperative check to confirm your medical information and the planned treatment, followed by administration of anesthesia for comfort. For a simple extraction the clinician will loosen the tooth with specialized instruments and remove it with forceps; surgical extractions may involve a small incision, removal of a bit of bone, or sectioning the tooth for safe removal.

Once the tooth is out, the team will manage bleeding, place gauze as needed, and give clear post‑operative instructions for home care. If sutures are placed or further restorative planning is needed, the practice will schedule follow‑up so healing can be monitored and next steps arranged.

Initial healing generally follows a predictable timeline: the first 48–72 hours often include some swelling and mild to moderate discomfort that improves with time and proper care. A blood clot forms in the extraction socket and serves as the foundation for tissue regeneration, so protecting that clot during the early days is important to prevent complications like dry socket.

Most patients can expect significant improvement within a week and progressive tissue maturation over several weeks, while deeper bone remodeling can continue for months. Your clinician will outline pain management, activity limitations, and oral hygiene steps, and will schedule follow‑up visits when appropriate to assess healing and remove sutures if necessary.

Following post‑operative instructions carefully is the most effective way to minimize complications: control bleeding with gauze pressure, avoid vigorous rinsing or sucking actions, and refrain from smoking for at least several days after the procedure. Apply ice to limit swelling during the first 24 hours, rest as needed, and follow directions for prescribed or over‑the‑counter pain medications.

Keep the mouth clean by brushing other teeth normally and initiating gentle saltwater rinses after the first 24 hours unless instructed otherwise. Contact the office promptly if you experience heavy bleeding that does not slow, increasing pain despite medication, fever, or any signs of infection so the team can evaluate and advise next steps.

After an extraction, clinicians typically discuss several replacement options tailored to your oral health and personal goals, such as removable dentures, fixed bridges, or dental implants. Each solution has different indications and timing considerations; for example, implants may require assessment of bone volume and sometimes bone grafting before placement, while temporary or immediate prosthetic options can help maintain appearance and function right away.

Timing depends on healing, bone health, and your treatment plan, and your dentist will explain the recommended sequence so you can make an informed decision. Nova Dental works with patients to develop a coordinated restoration plan and will review the clinical steps needed for predictable long‑term outcomes.

Extractions in children often involve the removal of primary (baby) teeth that are preventing normal eruption of permanent teeth, are excessively decayed, or are causing infection. Pediatric extractions take into account the stage of dental development, behavior management strategies, and the potential impact on future tooth alignment, and clinicians use techniques to make the experience as quick and comfortable as possible.

When a primary tooth is removed, the team monitors eruption of the permanent successor and may coordinate with an orthodontist if crowding or alignment concerns are present. Sedation choices and pain management are adapted for children with careful dosing, monitoring, and parental instructions for safe recovery at home.

You should contact the practice promptly if you experience persistent heavy bleeding, severe or worsening pain that is not controlled by medication, uncontrollable swelling, fever, or any discharge from the extraction site that suggests infection. Other reasons to call include prolonged numbness, signs of an allergic reaction to medications, or if sutures come loose earlier than expected.

If you have concerns during recovery the team will provide guidance and schedule an evaluation if needed to assess healing and rule out complications. For location‑specific care the practice has offices in North Haven and Cromwell and can advise which site is most appropriate for follow‑up based on your needs.