Tooth Extraction Techniques

Understanding the Different Tooth Extraction Techniques and Procedures

Although the ultimate goal is to save your tooth when it is decayed, broken, or has suffered other trauma, sometimes extraction is unavoidable. Damage is not the only reason for tooth extraction. There are numerous reasons removal may be recommended, including:

• Problems with wisdom teeth - When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to come in normally, they may become twisted, slanted, or displaced. Impacted wisdom teeth can damage adjacent teeth and cause crowding in the mouth, causing pain, bite, and jaw problems. Tissue around the area may swell and create pockets that can cause cavities, abscesses, gum disease, cysts, and sinus problems. Many people have their wisdom teeth extracted to prevent these problems before they arise.
• Orthodontic treatment - When it comes to orthodontic treatment, the most common reason for tooth extraction is to alleviate crowding. When teeth are too large for the mouth, extraction may be necessary to create space for teeth to move in order for orthodontic treatment to be effective.
• Loose teeth due to gum disease - Untreated gum disease can lead to loose, damaged teeth that need to be extracted.
• Infection - If an abscess or infection is so severe that it cannot be treated with antibiotics or a root canal, tooth extraction may be necessary to keep infection from spreading.

Types of tooth extraction:

Simple extraction - This procedure is performed on an erupted tooth that is visible in the mouth. Your dentist will loosen the tooth with an instrument called an elevator, and then use forceps to remove the tooth.

Surgical extraction - a more complex procedure that is used if a tooth is impacted or broken off at the gumline, surgical extraction typically involves making a small incision in your gum to surgically remove the broken or impacted tooth. It may also necessary to remove some of the bone around the tooth or cut the tooth in pieces in order to remove it.

What to Expect if You’re Getting a Tooth Extracted

Tooth extraction is a common procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia by a dentist or oral surgeon. During an extraction, expect to feel pressure, but no pain.

After your tooth is removed, expect some discomfort. We will send you home with post-operative instructions, and if necessary, medication that will help to manage swelling or discomfort. If you have any questions before or after surgery, please do not hesitate to ask.

Teeth can sometimes shift into the space where a tooth used to be and cause problems with your bite. We may recommend putting a bridge, partial denture, or dental implant in the space where the missing tooth was. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about extractions and other available treatments.