Dental Extraction

What is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone. This may be necessary when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be saved with other treatments and has to be removed. In some cases, tooth extraction may also be necessary to make room for orthodontic treatment, or to remove impacted wisdom teeth.

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When Should you go for Tooth Extraction?

If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or other dental problems, it is important to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon to determine whether tooth extraction or other treatments may be necessary to alleviate your symptoms and maintain good oral health. Tooth extraction may also be required in cases where the tooth has a fracture or experiences trauma.


Classic Signs Suggestive of Tooth Extraction

Severe tooth decay

It is often a result of ignored dental decay which severely damages the teeth beyond repair where the extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and gums.

Crowding

If there is not enough space in the mouth to accommodate all the teeth, extraction may be necessary to make room for orthodontic treatment or to prevent overcrowding.

Impacted wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, may become impacted and do not fully emerge from the gums, which can lead to pain, infection, and other problems.

Periodontal disease

If periodontal disease has caused irreversible damage to the teeth and surrounding tissue leading to mobile teeth, then extraction may be necessary to prevent further damage.

Fractured or broken teeth

Teeth that are severely fractured or broken may need to be extracted, especially if they cannot be repaired with other treatments such as crowns or root canals.

The Procedure of Tooth Extraction

Before the procedure, the dentist or oral surgeon will review the patient's medical history and take any necessary X-rays or scans to evaluate the tooth and surrounding structures.

  • Anesthesia: The patient may also be given local anesthesia or sedation to help manage pain and anxiety during the procedure.
  • Extraction: Once the anesthesia starts working, the dentist will use specialized instruments to loosen the tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Once the tooth is loose, the dentist or oral surgeon will gently remove it from the socket.
  • Post-operative care: After the tooth is extracted, the dentist will provide instructions for post-operative care, including how to manage pain, swelling, and bleeding. The patient may be given gauze to bite down on to control bleeding, and cold compresses may be recommended to help reduce swelling.
  • Follow-up: The dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to check the healing process and ensure that there are no complications.