A dentist pulls a broken tooth by first numbing the area with local anesthetic, then using elevators to loosen the tooth from the bone and forceps to pull it out; for deeply broken teeth, they might need to make gum incisions (surgical extraction), remove bone, or cut the tooth into sections for easier removal, followed by cleaning the socket and placing stitches if needed.
If you have a broken tooth that needs to be extracted, you will probably not feel any discomfort whatsoever during the procedure itself. But you will most likely feel some pain afterward during the healing process.
If a tooth becomes broken at the gum line, the dentist may need to make an incision to remove the pieces. The method of removal depends on the location and condition of the tooth. Most cases only require simple extractions. An incision becomes necessary when the dentist can't reach the tooth with tools.
Removal of a broken tooth root
As the roots of the tooth are situated below the gum line, it may, depending on the situation, be necessary to make a small incision in the gum to allow the dentist better access to make removal easier.
The actual extraction generally only takes 15 to 30 minutes. More complex cases can go for over an hour and these may include if the tooth is damaged, has not erupted past the gumline, or is a molar.
Fractured tooth extraction can require an incision to access the broken pieces in the roots below the gum line. They are often referred to oral surgeons for safe removal. Their complexity depends on the location and condition of the tooth.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
See a dentist if you or your child has:
If a piece of tooth has broken off, put it in milk or saliva (by spitting into a container if it's your tooth, or having your child spit into a container if it's theirs) and take it to a dentist. The dentist may be able to glue the piece of tooth back on.
Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars)
Wisdom teeth are notorious for being the most challenging to extract. Reasons include: Impaction: Often trapped under the gums or jawbone.
Simple tooth extractions typically range from $75 to $300, while surgical extractions can cost between $250 and $550, and sometimes up to $4,000 for complex cases.
Lower molars are especially painful because of their deeply rooted nature. Strong Bone Attachment: Harder to remove. Multiple & Curved Roots: More complicated extraction process. Post-Extraction Swelling: This can lead to prolonged discomfort.
Tooth Extraction And Implants
In severe cases where half-broken teeth can't be saved, tooth extraction may be necessary.
To avoid biting the tongue, the patient can eat as soon as feeling returns and bleeding stops. The patient can eat cold, soft foods (ice cream, jello, yogurt, pudding, sherbet, cottage cheese) for the first 24 hours.
The 3-3-3 rule for toothache is a temporary pain management strategy: take 3 ibuprofen (200mg each) three times a day for 3 days, but 3 hours apart (or every 8 hours), to reduce inflammation and pain until you can see a dentist; it's crucial to consult a doctor first, especially with underlying conditions, as it's not a cure but a short-term fix for inflammation.
Using specialized dental instruments, your dentist will gently loosen your tooth and carefully remove it from its socket. They might need to make incisions in your gums to access your tooth — especially if it's badly decayed or has broken off at the gum line.
It's important to note that the nerve itself is not “cut out” during the procedure. Instead, the entire tooth—including the nerve—is removed as part of the extraction process. The nerve doesn't stay behind in the tooth socket.
Commonly “Feared” Dental Procedures
Which teeth should not be extracted?
Emergency dental care may be necessary to prevent further damage and infection. Treatment options may include putting the piece back, moving the tooth, doing a root canal, adding a cap or crown, or taking the tooth out.
It is important to know there are over-the-counter, non-opioid medications—acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen—that can be just as or more effective for managing most dental pain, with fewer side effects and lower likelihood of harm.
A single-tooth denture is a removable dental device made to replace just one missing tooth. It's designed to look and feel as natural as possible and fits perfectly into the space where your tooth used to be.
Code 2 – Slight bleeding when probed, Calculus or Plaque present and gingival pockets under 3.5mm.
Some of the common options for missing teeth replacement include:
Yes, dentists can often tell if you only brush once a day. Signs like plaque buildup, gum inflammation, and tartar reveal brushing frequency during exams.