Wisdom Tooth Removal
Checking and removing third molars that are stuck, crowded or causing pain.
About wisdom tooth removalOral surgery
Tooth extractions in Herriman
When a tooth is too damaged to save, taking it out can end the pain and protect the teeth around it. We walk you through each step and your options after.
When does a tooth need to be pulled?
Your dentist will try to save a tooth first. An extraction is advised when a tooth is broken past repair, badly decayed, loose from gum disease or crowding other teeth. Removing it can stop pain and keep infection from spreading.
- The area is numbed before the tooth is removed
- Most simple extractions take less than an hour
- You can talk about replacing the tooth before or after
Who may need an extraction
Pulling a tooth is not the first choice, but it is sometimes the safest one. Your dentist may suggest it if you have:
- A tooth that is cracked or broken below the gum line
- Decay so deep that a filling, crown or root canal will not hold
- A tooth loosened by advanced gum disease
- Crowding that needs to be fixed before braces or aligners
- An injured tooth that cannot be repaired
Before you decide, your dentist takes x-rays and checks the tooth and the bone around it. If there is a way to keep the tooth, you will hear about it. Back teeth that are stuck under the gum are covered on our wisdom tooth removal page.
What to expect
- Exam and x-rays. Your dentist looks at the tooth's roots and shares your health history to plan a safe visit. Tell us about any medicines you take.
- Numbing. The area is numbed so you feel pressure but not sharp pain. If you feel nervous, ask about ways to help you relax.
- Removal. The tooth is gently rocked loose and lifted out. A tooth that is broken or curved may be taken out in small pieces.
- Closing the site. The socket is cleaned. Stitches may be placed, and you bite on gauze to help a clot form.
Replacing the tooth
A gap can let nearby teeth drift and make chewing harder. Choices include a single implant, a bridge or dentures. If you may want an implant later, your dentist may suggest a bone graft in the socket to keep the bone full.
Healing after an extraction
Keep firm pressure on the gauze for the first hour. For the first day, do not rinse hard, spit or drink through a straw, so the clot stays in place. Do not smoke. Eat soft, cool foods and chew on the other side. An ice pack on your cheek can ease swelling. Use pain medicine as your dentist directs. After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water a few times a day. Call us if bleeding will not slow down, if pain gets worse after day three or if you have a fever. Our after-surgery care page has more tips.
Cost and insurance
Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.
FAQ
Questions about tooth extractions
Will I feel the tooth being pulled?
You should feel pressure and some pushing, but the numbing keeps sharp pain away. If you feel anything sharp, raise your hand and your dentist will stop and give you more numbing.
How long does it take to heal?
Most people feel much better in two to three days. The gum usually closes over in one to two weeks. The bone underneath keeps filling in for a few months.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket happens when the clot comes out too soon and the bone is exposed. It causes a deep ache a few days after the extraction. Following your aftercare steps lowers the risk. If it happens, call us so we can soothe and cover the site.
Can I go back to work or school the next day?
Many people return the next day after a simple extraction. Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day of your visit. A harder extraction may need a day or two more.
Is an extraction covered by insurance?
Many dental plans cover part of an extraction when it is needed for your health. We check your benefits and give you an estimate before treatment.
Related care
You may also want to know about
Single Tooth Implants
One post and one crown to replace a single missing tooth without changing its neighbors.
About single tooth implantsDental Bone Grafting
Rebuilds thin or lost jawbone so it can support an implant or keep your face's shape.
About dental bone graftingDentures
Custom full and partial dentures that replace missing teeth and help you chew and smile.
About denturesQuestions?
Call to book your visit
Our Herriman team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.