Extractions
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone. This procedure is typically performed when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, infected, or causing other dental problems. Tooth extraction may also be necessary for orthodontic treatment or to address impacted wisdom teeth.
Types
A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is visible in the mouth. The tooth is loosened using a dental instrument called an elevator and then removed with forceps.
A surgical extraction is more complex and may be necessary for teeth that are impacted, broken at the gumline, or otherwise difficult to remove. It may involve making an incision in the gum tissue and/or removing bone to access the tooth.
Reasons
If decay has progressed to the point where it cannot be effectively treated with a filling or root canal therapy, extraction may be necessary to prevent further damage or infection.
Teeth that are fractured, cracked, or otherwise damaged due to trauma may need to be extracted if they cannot be restored.
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can lead to loosening of the teeth and loss of supporting bone, necessitating extraction.
Wisdom teeth (third molars) that are impacted (unable to fully erupt) or causing crowding, pain, or infection may need to be extracted.
Tooth extraction may be necessary as part of orthodontic treatment to create space for proper alignment of the remaining teeth.
If a tooth does not respond to root canal treatment or develops a new infection, extraction may be necessary to resolve the issue.
Gallery
Visual insights to help you understand what to expect from your treatment. For more content, please refer to our Education Hub.
Benefits & Considerations
Everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your treatment.
Benefits
Relief from Pain
One of the most immediate benefits of dental extraction is the relief from pain caused by the problematic tooth. This pain might be due to severe decay, abscess, or inflammation, and removing the tooth can alleviate the discomfort.
Prevention of Infection Spread
If a tooth is infected by decay or gum disease, it prevents the spread of infection to adjacent teeth, surrounding bone and other areas. Unaddressed dental infections can cause serious health issues, including systemic infections.
Improved Oral Health
Removing a tooth that has severe decay or is significantly damaged can improve overall oral health. It helps reduce the risk of further decay, gum disease, and the potential negative impacts these conditions can have on the remaining healthy teeth.
Elimination of Crowding
In cases where teeth are crowded, extraction can provide the necessary space in the mouth. This is particularly useful in orthodontic treatments where alignment of the remaining teeth is being corrected.
Management of Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth that do not fully erupt through the gum line, can lead to pain, swelling, and infection. Extracting these teeth can prevent such complications.
Supports Prosthetic Options
Extraction might be necessary to make way for prosthetics, such as dentures or bridges, which can help restore the function and aesthetics of the mouth when multiple teeth are damaged or decayed.
Considerations
Pain and Discomfort
Some discomfort and swelling are common after tooth extraction, but severe or prolonged pain may indicate complications such as dry socket or infection.
Bleeding
It is normal to experience some bleeding after tooth extraction, but excessive bleeding may require further evaluation or intervention.
Dry Socket
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket after extraction becomes dislodged, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. This can cause severe pain and delayed healing.
Infection
Infection is a potential complication following tooth extraction, particularly if proper oral hygiene practices are not followed or if there is an underlying infection present at the time of extraction.
Nerve Damage
In rare cases, nearby nerves may be injured during extraction, leading to temporary or permanent numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, or chin.
Treatment Procedure
Let's walk through your treatment procedure from start to finish.
Preparation
Your dentist will review your medical history and may take X-rays to assess the tooth and surrounding structures.
Anaesthesia
Anaesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring a pain-free procedure. Sedation may also be offered for anxious patients or complex extractions.
Extraction
The tooth is loosened from its socket using dental instruments and then gently removed. In some cases, the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal.
Closure
After the tooth is extracted, the socket may be packed with gauze to control bleeding. In the case of a surgical extraction, stitches may be placed to close the gum tissue.
Post-Extraction Care
Your dentist will provide instructions for post-extraction care, including recommendations for pain management, oral hygiene, and diet restrictions.
Post-Operative Care
Simple steps to protect your smile and ensure optimal results in the days following your procedure.
Follow Post-Extraction Instructions
Follow any post-extraction instructions provided by your dentist to promote healing and prevent complications.
Manage Pain and Swelling
Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as directed by your dentist to manage discomfort and swelling.
Apply Ice Packs
Apply ice packs to the affected area for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Continue to brush and floss carefully, avoiding the extraction site, to keep the surrounding teeth and gums clean.
Avoid Certain Foods
Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the extraction site to prevent irritation or injury.
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure performed to address a variety of dental issues, including severe decay, trauma, or impacted wisdom teeth. While tooth extraction may seem daunting, it is often necessary to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and maintain oral health. If you require tooth extraction, your dentist will discuss the procedure, risks, and aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Extractions should ideally be a last resort, after considering all possibilities for saving the natural tooth. However, when needed, extraction can be a significant step towards restoring and maintaining oral health. Proper aftercare is also important post-extraction to ensure healing and prevent complications such as infections or dry socket.