Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure — researchers estimate that dentists extract 15 million wisdom teeth each year. At Ford Dental Group, general and cosmetic dentist Hussein Abdel-Hak, DDS, and the team perform simple and surgical tooth extractions. Treatment occurs under local anesthesia with gas also available, ensuring the process is comfortable and pain-free. To make an appointment, call the nearest office in Dearborn, Michigan, or book online today.

What are tooth extractions?

Tooth extraction is a procedure that removes one or several teeth from their sockets. Dr. Abdel-Hak and the team try to save permanent teeth whenever possible, but sometimes, dental restorations aren’t enough to preserve your oral health. If that’s the case, Dr. Abdel-Hak might recommend surgical intervention.

When are tooth extractions necessary?

Dr. Abdel-Hak and the team use tooth extractions to treat various oral health problems, including:

• Severe tooth decay
• Tooth fractures
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Gum disease
• Dental injuries

You might also benefit from extractions if you’re preparing to undergo chemotherapy or an organ transplant. Removing teeth beforehand can help reduce the risk of infection.

What are the types of tooth extractions?

Dr. Abdel-Hak and the team perform two types of extractions:

Simple tooth extractions

If you have a decaying or fractured tooth that’s easy to access, Dr. Abdel-Hak performs a simple extraction. He numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic, loosens your tooth with dental forceps, and carefully removes it. Dr. Abdel-Hak fills the empty socket with gauze and provides recovery instructions.

Surgical tooth extractions

If you have impacted wisdom teeth, Dr. Abdel-Hak performs a surgical extraction. After numbing your mouth with a local anesthetic, he makes a small incision above your impacted teeth to access them.

Dr. Abdel-Hak breaks each tooth into several pieces and removes them one at a time. Then, he closes the incisions, packs your empty socket with gauze, and provides recovery instructions.

What is recovery like after tooth extractions?

After tooth extractions, Dr. Abdel-Hak sends you home. To ensure a speedy recovery:

• Keep the extraction site clean
• Take your medications as directed
• Avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid biting down on the empty socket for at least a week

During the first few days, eat only soft foods, like yogurt, soup, or rice, and avoid drinking from a straw. Using a straw can dislodge a blood clot, causing a painful dry socket.

If you develop a fever or experience pain that interferes with your ability to bite or chew, contact Dr. Abdel-Hak and the team right away. After your mouth finishes healing, Dr. Abdel-Hak can replace your tooth with a bridge or dental implant.

To see if you’re a candidate for tooth extractions, make an appointment at Ford Dental Group by calling the nearest office or booking online today.