The idea of a tooth extraction can feel daunting, but it’s a standard procedure designed to protect your long-term oral health. A dental extraction involves carefully removing a tooth from its socket. While dentists always prefer to save natural teeth, sometimes an extraction is the best way to relieve pain and prevent further issues.
At Polaris Family Dental, we understand that hearing you may need a tooth extraction can cause worry. Dr. Jaclyn Winner and our caring dental team are dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Our Columbus dental office was founded on the principle that patients should always be treated like family, and we continue to uphold this mission every day through compassionate, high-quality dental care. Whether your extraction is part of a larger treatment plan or the result of sudden dental pain, our team provides the personalized attention and professional care you deserve.
When a Tooth Extraction is Necessary
Tooth extractions are sometimes the best way to restore or maintain oral health. While Dr. Winner always prioritizes saving a natural tooth when possible, some dental issues may require its removal. A tooth extraction may be recommended due to severe tooth decay, advanced periodontal disease, trauma, or crowding.
In some cases, removing a tooth helps prevent damage to adjacent teeth or supports future orthodontic treatment. Wisdom teeth (or third molars) are also commonly extracted if they cause pain, infection, or alignment problems. By removing a problematic tooth, our dental team helps protect the surrounding bone and gum tissue from further harm and supports long-term oral health.
Types of Tooth Extractions
Not all extractions are the same. Depending on your needs, Dr. Winner may recommend one of two approaches: a simple extraction or a surgical extraction.
- Simple extraction: This type is performed when the tooth is visible above the gum line. After applying a local anesthetic, we gently loosen the tooth from the socket using specialized instruments before carefully removing it.
- Surgical extraction: When a tooth is broken at the gum line, impacted, or difficult to access, a small incision may be made in the gum tissue. Sometimes, a small portion of the surrounding bone is removed to ensure a smooth and comfortable extraction.
Both methods are performed with your comfort in mind. Local anesthesia and, when necessary, conscious sedation are used to minimize discomfort and help you stay relaxed throughout the procedure.
What to Expect During the Extraction Process
At Polaris Family Dental in Columbus, your safety and comfort guide every step of the extraction process. Before starting, Dr. Winner will review your medical history, discuss any medical conditions or medications, and explain your treatment options.
A local anesthetic is administered to numb the affected area, ensuring that you don’t feel pain during the procedure. If you experience dental anxiety, mild sedation may be available to help you stay calm. During a simple extraction, the tooth is gently loosened from its periodontal ligament and lifted from the tooth socket. For a surgical procedure, Dr. Winner makes a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth.
Once the tooth is removed, a gauze pad is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and allow a blood clot to form. This clot plays a crucial role in healing, protecting the underlying bone and blood vessels as the area recovers.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
The healing process after a dental extraction is essential to a smooth recovery. Following Dr. Winner’s post-treatment instructions helps reduce the risk of infection and other complications, such as dry socket.
Apply gentle pressure to the gauze pad for approximately 30–45 minutes after your dental visit to support clot formation. Avoid rinsing or drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours, as suction could dislodge the clot. Once you resume rinsing, use a mild saltwater solution made with about eight ounces of warm water to keep the surgical site clean.
Applying an ice pack to the affected area can help minimize swelling. For mild discomfort or pain, pain medication or pain relievers prescribed by Dr. Winner can help manage soreness. Most patients begin to feel better within a few days, and the extraction site typically heals completely within one to two weeks.
Eating and Drinking After a Tooth Extraction
For the first day or two, stick to soft foods, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soup. As the extraction site heals, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods into your diet. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that might irritate the gum line or dislodge the blood clot.
Staying hydrated is also essential—avoid using a straw. Drinking water in small sips helps support healing and keeps your mouth clean. As the healing process continues, regular brushing and oral hygiene around the extraction area should be resumed carefully to maintain good oral health.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Many people need wisdom teeth removal to prevent discomfort or dental crowding. These third molars often lack sufficient space to emerge properly and can become impacted, resulting in pain, swelling, or infection.
During your dental exam, Dr. Winner will take digital X-rays to determine whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed. Extracting them early can prevent bone loss, gum disease, and alignment issues within the dental arch. With gentle techniques and advanced care, Polaris Family Dental offers a smooth and comfortable experience for wisdom tooth extractions.
Managing Pain and Preventing Complications
With today’s advanced dental care techniques, most extractions are performed with minimal discomfort. A local anesthesia keeps you pain-free during the procedure, and pain medication helps manage any tenderness afterward.
To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack in 10-minute intervals for the first day. Avoid touching the surgical site or spitting forcefully, as this could cause the blood clot to dislodge and lead to a dry socket. If you experience severe pain, prolonged bleeding, or signs of infection, such as fever or pus near the extraction site, please contact our Columbus dental office immediately. Early detection and treatment can prevent further complications and promote faster recovery.
Tooth Replacement After Extraction
Once your mouth has healed, replacing the missing tooth is often recommended to maintain alignment and optimal oral health. An open tooth socket can lead to bone loss and shifting of adjacent teeth over time.
Polaris Family Dental offers a range of treatment options, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures. A dental implant is often the most natural-looking and long-lasting choice, preserving both function and aesthetics. After your extraction has healed, Dr. Winner can discuss which option best suits your needs and overall treatment plan.
Preventing Future Extractions
The best way to avoid tooth removal is through consistent preventive care. Routine dental visits allow early detection of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health conditions before they require more extensive treatment.
At our Columbus dental office, we encourage regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Preventive steps, such as fluoride treatments and dental sealants, can also reduce your risk of decay and keep your smile healthy for years to come.
By partnering with our dental professionals, you’ll gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing your smile is in the care of experienced hands.
Comprehensive Care You Can Trust
At Polaris Family Dental, we believe that comprehensive dental care goes beyond treating individual teeth—it’s about supporting your total oral health and overall well-being. Our dental team takes the time to understand your unique needs, explain your options, and guide you through every step of your oral health journey.
Whether your visit involves a routine cleaning, a root canal, or a dental extraction, our goal remains the same: to provide high-quality care that keeps your smile healthy and strong in the long run.
If this is your first time visiting us, you’ll quickly see that our office combines advanced dental technology with a warm, patient-focused approach that prioritizes your comfort.
Why Choose Polaris Family Dental in Columbus, OH
Choosing where to receive your dental care is an important decision. With Dr. Jaclyn Winner’s extensive experience in comprehensive dentistry, you can feel confident that you’re in the right place for gentle, professional care.
Our dental office offers a comprehensive range of services, including preventive dentistry, restorative treatments, and cosmetic procedures, ensuring that all your dental needs are met under one roof. We take pride in creating a comfortable, welcoming environment where every patient—from children to adults—receives the same level of compassionate attention.
By maintaining regular visits, you’ll help prevent serious dental issues, protect your oral health, and enjoy a healthy smile that lasts.
Schedule Your Dental Extraction in Columbus Today
If you’re experiencing dental pain or think you may need a tooth extraction, the team at Polaris Family Dental is here to help. Dr. Winner will evaluate your situation, explain your options, and guide you through the extraction process with care and precision.
Our mission is to help every patient achieve strong oral health and long-term comfort through exceptional care. Call us today at 614-714-6138 to schedule your appointment!
