Question 1

I had a tooth extracted or a root canal, do I need antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Most routine dental extractions do not require antibiotics. According to the cochrane study linked below, taking antibiotics may help prevent infection after an extraction but the possible adverse effects may outweigh the benefits.  As long as you are healthy and do not require antibiotic prophylaxis, your immune system should naturally be able to prevent most infections after the procedure. Taking antibiotics as a just in case may have unintended consequences such as developing antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. Taking antibiotics too frequently or unnecessarily can create superbugs and when you happen to get an infection and you need the antibiotics to work, they won't work. This is currently a big problem in the medical community.  For this reason, even if your tooth has been keeping you up at night but you do not present with a swelling infection or fever, you are not required to take any antibiotics afterwards. We know that you may perceive it as very serious but developing a resistant strain of bacteria is even more serious.  In every case we will give you the best course of medicines and protocols to follow to get you healed as quickly as possible.  You dictate your own health.  The link to review here.

Question 2

How long should it take to recover from tooth extraction?

Accepted Answer

Recovery time varies, but most people feel better within a few days. Complete healing of the jawbone and gums may take a few weeks to months.

Question 3

How long does a tooth extraction take to complete?

Accepted Answer

The duration of a tooth extraction varies but typically takes about 20-40 minutes, depending on the complexity.

Question 4

Is tooth extraction painful?

Accepted Answer

During the extraction, you shouldn't feel pain due to anesthesia, but there might be some pressure. Afterward some discomfort, swelling, and mild bleeding are both normal and manageable with over-the-counter medication.

Question 5

I had a tooth extracted and I think I have a dry socket and am in extreme pain, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) can happen after tooth extraction. When your dentist or oral surgeon removes a tooth, a blood clot forms in the socket (a hole in the bone where your tooth was). Dry socket happens when that blood clot dislodges (moves) or doesn’t form at all. Without the clot, your bone and nerves are exposed to the oral environment. Dry socket can be painful and delays the healing of the surgical site. Dry sockets can last up to one week.  In most cases a dry socket will heal on its own. To speed healing, rinse and clean the socket with salt water.  Place gauze over the socket to ease the pain.  You may use Ibuprofen to help with the pain.  Ice may also be used to relieve the pain.  If you cannot tolerate the pain, please call your office as soon as possible to discuss options.

Question 6

What should I avoid after a tooth extraction?

Accepted Answer

After an extraction, avoid vigorous rinsing, sucking actions, smoking, alcohol, and hard or crunchy foods. Also, refrain from strenuous activities for a few days.

Question 7

I had a tooth extracted or a root canal, what is the best pain management?

Accepted Answer

Recent studies have shown that a mix of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs)  and acetaminophen are the most effective medicines to address dental pain after a root canal or extraction.  Our first line of pain management is this regiment.  A copy of our extraction post operative instructions can be found on our Procedure Instructions webpage, which includes all instructions for pain management using the most recent studies available.  Dentists and society have a unique challenge in reducing the amount of opioids prescribed and used.  Your dentist will make the best decision with you as to the best course of pain management for your particular situation.  The link to the study about post operative pain management here can be found at this link.

Question 8

I had a tooth extracted and the clot came out, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

It is completely normal for the clot that forms after your surgery to come out within 24-48 hours after your surgery.  We prefer the clot to stay in the extraction site as long as possible as part of the natural healing after an extraction.  This is why we request you refrain from negative pressure such as sucking through straws.  Removing the gauze your dentist, surgeon, or you place after your surgery may also adhere to the clot when it is taken out.  It may be appropriate to lightly moisten the gauze before placing it over the extraction site so the gauze does not stick to the clot.  As long as there is not profuse bleeding after the clot comes out, there is little concern.  You may watch the extraction post operative instruction video here.

Question 9

I was seen by an Endodontist (root canal specialist), and they recommended getting a tooth extracted.  Do I need to be seen by an Oral Surgeon to get the tooth removed?

Accepted Answer

Teeth that are cracked or have a poor to hopeless progosis almost always can be removed by the General Practicioner dentist who referred you to the Endodontist.  Even if you were referred to an Oral Surgeon from the Endodontist, it is best to call your General Practitioner to see what direction they prefer since they will be in charge of replacing your tooth and usually can remove the tooth for less than an Oral Surgeon.

Question 10

How much do extractions cost, including wisdom teeth?

Accepted Answer

Typically extractions cost between $100 and $500 dollars per tooth depending on how difficult the tooth is to extract.  This varies greatly depending on which insurance you have.  Many insurances cover most of an extraction reducing your price to under $75.  Some insurances cover the entire cost of extractions.  We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning.  Our dentists extract many teeth, and we work with oral surgeons at every office, so we can extract almost any tooth at every location.

Question 11

I recently had my wisdom teeth removed and am feeling numbness, should I be concerned?

Accepted Answer

5% of patients who have their wisdom teeth removed have altered nerve sensation including numbness due to the nerve being irritated or hurt.  Of this 5% of patients with altered nerve sensation, 98% will recover completely.  Unfortunately nerves can heal very slowly, sometime requiring a few weeks to several months to completely heal.  It is impossible to know which group you fall into until the nerve has healed.  It is important to contact the office and provider where you had your wisdom teeth removed if you have numbness or altered nerve sensation .  Your provider will want to talk to your personally about your case.

Question 12

I recently had an extraction and now I can't open my jaw, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Trismus, commonly known as lockjaw, is a painful condition where the jaws, or temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) cannot fully open. It can lead to difficulties with eating, speaking, and oral hygiene due to limited mouth opening. Trismus occurs when a person cannot open their mouth more than 35 millimeters (mm). This is very common after extractions especially wisdom teeth as the tissues surrounding the jaw can be inflamed.  Your muscles, tendons, and ligaments might be sore from stretching during the extraction. There might also be some infection around the extraction site that can exacerbate the issue.  These symptoms will almost always alleviate as soon as the extraction site(s) heal. This can take up to two weeks.  Start by sticking to a soft food diet and applying hot then cold compresses for 15 minutes on the TMJ (directly in front of the ear).  You may also use Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs to alleviate the pain. You may also be prescribed an antibiotic if there is concern about infection. If you are experiencing persistent limited opening or severe pain after your extraction, call the office to obtain direction on how to alleviate your issue.

Question 13

I had a tooth removed and now have a sharp bone spur poking through my gum, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

A bone spur, also known as a dental bone spicule, is a small piece of bone that can form in the gums after a tooth extraction.  It is a common occurrence after a tooth extraction and can occur many years after an extraction and is common with those who have mandibular tori.  It occurs when the jawbone doesn't properly reshape or it may detach from the extraction site, and bone chips become trapped in the gum tissue. Bone spurs can feel like a sharp bone or an uncomfortable object in the gums, and can cause discomfort or pain while healing. They can also cut the tongue or cheek.  Bone spurs may eventually detach from the jawbone and make their way through the gums.  This can cause pain and discomfort especially if the patient is using dentures.  Most bone spurs that are covered by gum tissue eventually heal over time, sometimes requiring several weeks.  If the spur is especially sharp or is exposed through the gum, your dentist may decide with you to clip it off under the gum so the gum can heal over the affected area.  If you have a bone spur that is sharp, painful, or sticking through the gum, contact your dentist to schedule it to be removed.  This is a simple procedure that can be done with local anesthetic by your general practitioner dentist.

Question 14

I am pregnant, can I get a tooth extracted?

Accepted Answer

It is important to keep an expectant mother pain free during all trimesters of her pregnancy. There is almost no reason an expectant mother, even in a high risk pregnancy, delay getting a painful or infected tooth extracted. Your dentist or oral surgeon will always use FDA Pregnancy Category B local anesthetics. No studies have shown the drug to be detrimental to a growing fetus. You may be given a local anesthetic, that along with being FDA Pregnancy Category B, has no epinephrin so as to not affect your heart. We usually schedule all non-emergency extractions either in the 2nd trimester (all fetal organs are developed) or after the pregnancy. Discuss with your dentist or oral surgeon your pregnancy status at your appointment.

Question 15

Can I fly after a tooth extraction?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can fly after a tooth extraction, but it's generally recommended to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before flying. This allows time for initial healing and reduces the risk of complications during the flight. If your extraction was more complex, such as wisdom teeth removal or multiple teeth being extracted, you might need to wait longer—up to a week in some cases. Follow your post-operative instructions. During the flight stay hydrated and avoid using straws to prevent dislodging the clot, bring extra gauze and pain relievers in case of discomfort, and avoid extreme temperature foods or drinks during the flight.

Question 16

I need a tooth extracted, and it's been recommended to get a bone graft, what's the process and how much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

A bone graft is important to prevent the bone around and extraction site to atrophy preventing bone loss around adjacent teeth causing periodontal disease or preventing the extraction site to be ready for an implant.  A bone graft typically costs between $350 and $500 per site.  Some of this cost may be covered by your insurance reducing the cost.  We always give you the cost of any procedure before beginning.

Question 17

What should I do if I'm bleeding after an extraction?

Accepted Answer

Some bleeding is normal after extractions. Keep the gauze placed in the office over your extraction site for 30 minutes. Afterward, place new, folded gauze pads over the extraction site and bite down firmly for one hour. To prevent dislodging the clot, you may slightly wet the gauze. If bleeding continues after 4-5 hours, bite on a wet Lipton tea bag. If bleeding still does not stop, please call our office; we will see you immediately or connect you with a doctor. Excessive bleeding is indicated when, after two gauze changes, no white portions of the gauze are visible.

Tooth Extractions Dentists
Near Me in Denver

Tooth Extraction Services Near Me

Understanding the Tooth Extraction Process

Personalized Care and Attention

Preparing for Your Tooth Extraction

Comprehensive Aftercare Guidance

You Might Need a Tooth Extraction If...

You Have Severe Tooth Decay or Damage

You Have Issues With Your Wisdom Teeth

You Have Severe Overcrowding

Don't just take our word for it...

Hear from some of our amazing patients, who want to share their life-changing experiences of getting extractions at Open and Affordable Dental and Braces.

Meet the Team

Frequently Asked Questions

I had a tooth extracted or a root canal, do I need antibiotics?

How long should it take to recover from tooth extraction?

How long does a tooth extraction take to complete?

Is tooth extraction painful?

I had a tooth extracted and I think I have a dry socket and am in extreme pain, what can I do?

What should I avoid after a tooth extraction?

I had a tooth extracted or a root canal, what is the best pain management?

I had a tooth extracted and the clot came out, what should I do?

I was seen by an Endodontist (root canal specialist), and they recommended getting a tooth extracted. Do I need to be seen by an Oral Surgeon to get the tooth removed?

How much do extractions cost, including wisdom teeth?

I recently had my wisdom teeth removed and am feeling numbness, should I be concerned?

I recently had an extraction and now I can't open my jaw, what should I do?

I had a tooth removed and now have a sharp bone spur poking through my gum, what should I do?

I am pregnant, can I get a tooth extracted?

Can I fly after a tooth extraction?

I need a tooth extracted, and it's been recommended to get a bone graft, what's the process and how much does it cost?

What should I do if I'm bleeding after an extraction?

Tooth Extractions Dentists Near Me in Denver

Tooth Extraction Services Near Me

Understanding the Tooth Extraction Process

Personalized Care and Attention

Preparing for Your Tooth Extraction

Comprehensive Aftercare Guidance

You Might Need a Tooth Extraction If...

You Have Severe Tooth Decay or Damage

You Have Issues With Your Wisdom Teeth

You Have Severe Overcrowding

Don't just take our word for it...

Hear from some of our amazing patients, who want to share their life-changing experiences of getting extractions at Open and Affordable Dental and Braces.

Meet the Team

Frequently Asked Questions

I had a tooth extracted or a root canal, do I need antibiotics?

How long should it take to recover from tooth extraction?

How long does a tooth extraction take to complete?

Is tooth extraction painful?

I had a tooth extracted and I think I have a dry socket and am in extreme pain, what can I do?

What should I avoid after a tooth extraction?

I had a tooth extracted or a root canal, what is the best pain management?

I had a tooth extracted and the clot came out, what should I do?

I was seen by an Endodontist (root canal specialist), and they recommended getting a tooth extracted. Do I need to be seen by an Oral Surgeon to get the tooth removed?

How much do extractions cost, including wisdom teeth?

I recently had my wisdom teeth removed and am feeling numbness, should I be concerned?

I recently had an extraction and now I can't open my jaw, what should I do?

I had a tooth removed and now have a sharp bone spur poking through my gum, what should I do?

I am pregnant, can I get a tooth extracted?

Can I fly after a tooth extraction?

I need a tooth extracted, and it's been recommended to get a bone graft, what's the process and how much does it cost?

What should I do if I'm bleeding after an extraction?

Tooth Extractions Dentists
Near Me in Denver