Tooth Extractions in Waltham


Tooth Extractions in Waltham, MA

376 Dental Studio provides tooth extractions in Waltham, MA. Call 781-373-3068 to learn more and schedule your appointment.

Our goal in dentistry is to always save your natural teeth whenever possible. There are times, however, when a tooth must be extracted in order to restore your oral health. If you need to have a tooth removed, we offer safe, gentle extractions right here in our office.


Reasons Tooth Extractions Are Needed


There are a few reasons why we might recommend having a tooth extracted. It’s not a decision we take lightly, so we reserve the procedure for circumstances in which there is no other option for treatment. These circumstances include:

  • Wisdom Teeth – If your wisdom teeth are fully or partially impacted, you will need to have them surgically extracted by an oral surgeon, but we can perform simple (non-surgical) extractions for wisdom teeth that have erupted.
  • Crowding – Sometimes your orthodontist may recommend extraction in order to make room for teeth to shift during orthodontic treatment.
  • Infection – An infected tooth should first be treated with root canal therapy, but if this isn’t an option or a root canal fails, the affected tooth may need to be extracted.
  • Gum Disease – Gum disease can cause teeth to loosen; they may be saved by using splints, but if this isn’t possible, they will need to be extracted and replaced with a bridge or dental implant.
  • Severe Damage – A broken tooth can often be repaired with a root canal or crown, but if the damage is extensive or a fracture extends below the gum line, extraction may be necessary.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction Procedure


Your tooth and the area surrounding it will be numbed with local anesthetic prior to your extraction, so you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. A tool called an elevator is used to gently rock your tooth back and forth in order to loosen it. Once your tooth is loose, we use forceps to remove it from the jaw. If needed, we use sutures to close the gum tissue; you’ll be asked to bite down on a piece of sterile gauze to promote the formation of a blood clot, which is the first step to healing after tooth extraction.

In the hours and days following the procedure, you’re likely to feel some soreness and experience swelling. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help you manage any discomfort.

Call 781-373-3068 to schedule your appointment.


Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions


How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?


For a simple, non-surgical tooth extraction, you can expect to resume your normal activities after a few days of rest, but it can take up to four to six weeks for the soft tissue to heal.


Is tooth extraction painful?


No, we use local anesthetic to ensure that you don’t feel any pain during your tooth extraction procedure, although you might feel some pressure. After the procedure, you will experience some discomfort, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.


How soon after tooth extraction can I eat?


Once your extraction is complete, after a few hours you’ll be able to eat soft foods and liquids. We recommend waiting until the numbness wears off prior to eating in order to prevent injury. We’ll provide you with instructions after your extraction.