Reasons for extractions

Some patients have teeth that are misaligned, crowded, or crooked. If the teeth do not grow in properly, they can cause misalignment. This is especially common with wisdom teeth.

Extraction may also be necessary if the teeth are decayed or damaged. When a tooth is damaged, bacteria can enter the pulp of the tooth and cause an infection. The infection must be treated, and the tooth extracted.

When is an extraction necessary?

Before removing a tooth, a dental professional will perform a comprehensive examination including x-rays to determine if an extraction is necessary. The removal of a tooth is often recommended for a variety of reasons, such as:

- Severely damaged tooth

- Risk of infection (abscess)

- Risk of infection (periapical cyst)

- Risk of infection (periodontal disease)

- Risk of infection (periradicular lesion)

- Risk of infection (recurrent caries)

- Risk of infection (periodontitis)

- Risk of complications with orthodontic treatment

- Risk of trauma to surrounding teeth

- Risk of damage to surrounding teeth

- Malpositioned tooth

- Malformed tooth

- Impacted tooth

- Orthodontic concerns

Local anesthesia or sedation

If we can’t do a dental extraction with local anesthesia, we can use sedation. We can administer sedation in one of two ways: orally or intravenously.

Oral sedation involves taking medication about an hour before the procedure. This medication will make you feel relaxed, sleepy, or even euphoric. The effects of the oral sedation will last throughout the dental extraction.

Benefits of extractions

If your dentist recommends an extraction, it is because a corrective procedure (such as a filling or crown) will be less successful than removing the tooth. Generally, extractions are not recommended unless necessary.

Common reasons for extractions include:

- Severe decay that can’t be repaired with a filling or crown

- Severe gum disease that has affected the tooth, causing it to be loose or fall out

- Impacted teeth, which are teeth that can’t fully erupt from the gums

- Orthodontic treatment, such as braces

- Misaligned teeth or bite

Other reasons that your dentist may recommend extraction include:

Tooth replacement options

If you need to have a tooth extracted, our dentist may recommend a dental implant or bridge. A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that is placed surgically in your jawbone. A bridge is a prosthetic tooth that is attached to two crowns on either side of the gap.

A bridge is a more affordable option upfront. However, it may need to be replaced or relined in the future. A dental implant is a more expensive option upfront. However, it is designed to last a lifetime. Additionally, it’s less invasive than a bridge.

After care instructions

Following tooth extraction, there are a few steps you can take to ensure proper healing.

- Avoid smoking, as it can hamper healing.

- Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the tooth was removed, as this could damage the socket.

- Begin brushing and flossing your teeth as normal, but be gentle near the extraction site.

Common extraction methods

Teeth often need extraction due to trauma or decay. The most common extraction method is atraumatic tooth extraction. Referred to as a simple extraction, the dentist first numbs the area of the mouth where the tooth will be removed. Then, the dentist uses forceps to loosen the tooth and lift it from the gum line.

Post extraction instructions

If you are experiencing mouth pain, please call us right away. In the meantime, avoid hot or cold beverages, and stick to soft foods.