Bleeding Extraction Sites

When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?

Sometimes a tooth is too badly damaged to be repaired. This can happen when decay or an abscess has progressed too far. In these cases, your dentist may recommend having the tooth pulled (extracted). Other reasons include:

• Severe gum disease that has loosened a tooth
• A tooth that is blocking other teeth from coming in
• Preparation for orthodontic treatment
• Wisdom teeth that are impacted or causing problems

The Extraction Process

Before pulling a tooth, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area. If you are having more than one tooth pulled, or if a tooth is impacted, a general anesthetic may be used to prevent pain throughout your body and allow you to sleep through the procedure.

After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches. Your dentist will have you bite down on a gauze pad to help stop the bleeding. Some bleeding is normal and expected for the first 24 hours.

Recovery Tips

Follow these guidelines after your extraction to promote proper healing:

Dry Socket

After an extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket to protect the bone and nerves underneath. Sometimes that clot can become dislodged or dissolve a couple of days after the extraction. This is called dry socket, and it exposes the bone and nerves, causing pain.

Dry socket typically causes a dull, aching pain that can range from moderate to severe. Your dentist can treat it by placing a medicated dressing in the socket to protect it while it heals.

Risks and When to Call

There is a slight risk that bacteria may enter the bloodstream during an extraction. People at higher risk include those with damaged or man-made heart valves, congenital heart defects, impaired immune systems, liver disease, artificial joints, or a history of bacterial endocarditis. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics before and after the extraction.

Call your dentist immediately if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding that hasn't slowed after several hours
• Severe pain not relieved by medication
• Signs of infection: fever, chills, redness, or swelling
• Nausea or vomiting
• Excessive discharge from the extraction site

Replacement Options

After an extraction, you may want to replace the missing tooth:

• Dental implant: A permanent replacement anchored in the jawbone
• Denture: A removable replacement for one or more teeth
• Bridge: A fixed replacement anchored to neighboring teeth

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