Tooth Extractions in Maricopa County

At Northwest Valley Oral Surgery, we bring our extensive expertise to every tooth extraction, including emergency tooth removal and complex surgical tooth extractions, at our Surprise, AZ, office. 

When is a tooth extraction necessary?

While tooth extraction is a common and safe procedure, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and complications. These can include infection, nerve damage, and prolonged bleeding. However, these are rare and can often be managed effectively. Whenever a tooth cannot be saved due to extreme decay or damage, tooth extraction may be needed to prevent the decay or damage from affecting any infection or damage from affecting other teeth, the jawbone, or soft tissues such as the gums. Whenever possible, saving a natural tooth is best, but if saving it is not possible, removal is essential to prevent one bad tooth from creating a domino effect that could lead to serious oral health issues affecting multiple teeth, your jawbone, and spreading throughout your body.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

During a simple tooth extraction, we ensure your comfort and safety. We numb the area, then gently remove the tooth from the socket. You will feel pressure but no pain. For more complex procedures, such as wisdom tooth removal, we provide sedation to keep you relaxed and anxiety-free during the surgery.

For more complex procedures such as wisdom tooth removal or emergency tooth extraction after facial trauma, the patient is sedated so that they are relaxed and anxiety-free during surgery. Surgical tooth extraction involves cutting through the gum tissue and the surrounding bone to gain access to the tooth or teeth being extracted. After the tooth is extracted, the gums are sutured closed.

Common Types of Sedation for a Tooth Extraction

• Local anesthesia may be used for a simple or emergency tooth extraction if the procedure is straightforward and the surrounding area is not damaged.
• Nitrous oxide can be administered to patients who may be apprehensive about a tooth extraction to relax them during the procedure.
• For more complex emergency tooth extractions, wisdom tooth removal, and any extractions that require surgery, Dr. Hammond recommends IV sedation. This relaxes the patient into a “twilight sleep” between consciousness and sleep, where there is no pain and the patient is unaware of what is happening. When the sedation wears off, most patients do not remember the procedure.

Post-Extraction Healing and Aftercare

After tooth extractions, we place a gauze pad over the extraction site to protect the empty socket. You should bite down on this to slow the bleeding and allow a blood clot to form, reducing the chance of a dry socket. Once the bleeding has slowed or stopped, you can remove the gauze. However, you may have to change the gauze a few times before the clot forms sufficiently. 

If tooth removal is complex and involves surgery, we will provide detailed post-op instructions regarding caring for the surgical site, including keeping it clean, changing the gauze, and using comfort methods such as rinsing with warm salt water. Please follow all of these instructions to ensure safe healing with minimal discomfort. We are also available to answer any questions or concerns you may have during your recovery.

FAQs About Tooth Extractions

How long does it take to heal from a tooth extraction? 

Recovery from a tooth extraction varies, but you can expect the mouth and socket to heal within a week or two, with complete healing taking several weeks. We will provide detailed post-op instructions to ensure a safe healing process with minimal discomfort.

What can I eat after a tooth extraction?

For the first 24 hours, a soft diet is best. Try smoothies, milkshakes, hummus, yogurt, pudding, and mashed potatoes. Over the first week, you can add foods such as pasta, fish, and soft breads. As the area heals, you can gradually add firmer foods when comfortable.

What is a dry socket, and what should I do if I have one?

A dry socket occurs when the blood clot over your tooth extraction site either does not form or is dislodged before the area is healed. When this happens, the empty socket’s bone, nerves, and blood vessels are exposed, causing severe, throbbing pain. The socket and surrounding area, including the cheek, can become swollen. Most patients develop a dry socket around the third day following an extraction. If you experience a dry socket, it is important to contact us immediately. In most cases, we will see you the same day to relieve your pain and treat the dry socket to protect the extraction site and prevent infection.

How can I prevent a dry socket from developing?

Keep these tips in mind for preventing a dry socket after any tooth extraction in Surprise:

• Keep the gauze over the empty socket until the clot has fully formed.
• Never drink from a straw or suck on anything, as the pressure could dislodge the clot.
• Do not smoke, as this interferes with healing and creates suction that, like drinking straws, could dislodge the clot.
• Do not engage in strenuous activities for the first 2-3 days.
• Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated helps the healing process.
• Do not eat crunchy, hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could interfere with the clot.
• Follow your post-extraction instructions carefully.

How long should I take off work or school for a tooth extraction?

It depends on the type of extraction. One to two days is usually sufficient for a simple tooth extraction. However, an emergency tooth extraction or wisdom tooth removal will require more time off due to the surgery required. Most patients will need 3-4 days to recover following surgical extraction; some may need more. You and Dr. Hammond will determine the appropriate recovery time you need.

For more information about tooth extraction or to schedule a consultation regarding wisdom tooth removal, please call us at Surprise Office Phone Number 623-583-1875.