Everyone wants to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. However, accidents can happen that may break or damage a tooth to the point where extraction is necessary.
Generally, a tooth should be extracted when there is:
- Dental trauma
- Disease
- Severe tooth damage
- Tooth overcrowding
These conditions can put your oral health at risk. Therefore, if you think you might need immediate dental care, you should read the following information.
How Do Teeth Break?
Teeth can break for several reasons:
- Biting hard foods (bones, candy, ice, etc.).
- Falls or impacts to the mouth.
- Bruxism (constant teeth grinding).
- Advanced cavities that weaken the tooth.
- Large fillings that reduce tooth strength.
- Sudden temperature changes (eating something hot and then something cold).
- Natural wear over time.
If this happens to you, the best thing to do is visit a dentist as soon as possible.
When do I need a tooth extraction?
Extraction is the last resort when a tooth cannot be saved. Timely removal can also help prevent infections and further damage. When your tooth is beyond repair and crowns or fillings are not an option, extraction becomes the only solution.
The extraction procedure
For the extraction, the dentist will follow these steps:
- Anesthesia 🩺 – The dentist numbs the area so you don’t feel pain.
- Loosening the tooth 🦷 – Using special tools, they gently move the tooth to detach it.
- Extraction ✨ – Once loosened, the tooth is carefully removed.
- Cleaning and bleeding control 🩸 – The area is cleaned, and gauze is placed to help with clotting.
- Post-extraction care 🛑 – You’ll receive instructions for a quick recovery, such as avoiding hard foods and not rinsing forcefully.
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
A broken tooth is extracted under local anesthesia, so the procedure itself does not hurt. However, after the extraction, following proper care instructions is essential for a smooth recovery.
Tips and Recommendations After Extraction
After a tooth extraction, it’s important to follow some care tips to heal quickly and avoid complications. Here are some key recommendations:
Care after tooth extraction
- Bite on gauze 🩸 – Keep gauze in place for 30-45 minutes to help with clotting.
- Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully 🚫 – This can dislodge the clot and delay healing.
- Do not drink through a straw 🥤 – Suction can cause a painful dry socket.
- Apply ice to the area ❄️ – Helps reduce swelling and pain, especially in the first few hours.
- Avoid hard or hot foods 🍔🔥 – Opt for soft, cold foods like yogurt or mashed potatoes.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol 🚬🍷 – These can slow healing and increase infection risk.
- Sleep with your head elevated 🛏️ – Helps reduce swelling.
- Take prescribed medications 💊 – Follow your dentist’s instructions for pain relievers or antibiotics.
- Maintain good oral hygiene 🪥 – Brush carefully, avoiding the affected area for the first few days.
- Call your dentist if you notice anything unusual 📞 – Severe pain, excessive bleeding, or bad odor may indicate an infection.
Recovery time after an extraction
The recovery time after a tooth extraction varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. In general, initial healing takes 7 to 10 days, but full recovery may take several weeks.
It’s normal to feel discomfort in the first few days, but it will gradually decrease. Here’s an approximate recovery timeline:
- First 24 hours ⏳ – A blood clot forms; avoid strong rinsing or suction.
- Day 2-3 🩹 – Swelling and discomfort peak; continue applying ice and resting.
- Day 4-7 😊 – Swelling starts to decrease, and tissues begin to heal; you can resume some normal activities.
- Day 7-10 ✅ – The wound is closing well; stitches (if any) may be removed.
- Week 2-4 🌟 – The area continues healing internally; maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial.
Say Goodbye to Pain! Remove Your Broken Tooth
If you think you have a broken tooth, you should visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible. At Somos Dental, we offer the most affordable dental care without requiring insurance, and we also have flexible payment plans.
We are in Phoenix and Dallas—come see us!
Phoenix:
Safe, quick, and stress-free extractions.
Schedule your FREE CONSULTATION by calling 623-869-1091 or messaging us on WhatsApp, Messenger, or SMS.
