Extractions
If a tooth is broken or damaged because of decay, your dentist may recommend options to try to save the tooth. But if the tooth is over injured and couldn’t be recovered, this tooth will need to be extracted, or in other words, removed from the mouth.
Situations that Need Tooth Extractions
- Tooth decay that cause serious damage that couldn’t be repaired.
- Periodontal diseases that result in loose teeth/
- Some teeth may need to be extracted if they cause nearby tissues to be damaged or infected.
- Removal of teeth because of medical reasons
- Wisdom teeth that cause pain or swelling.
- Crowded alignment of the teeth in the mouth.
- Teeth that block another tooth from coming in. For example, some baby teeth don’t fall out in time to allow the permanent teeth to come in
- To meet the need of orthodontic treatments.
Procedures
Before tooth extraction, the dentists will first examine the patient’s tooth and his/her full medical record carefully. Then an X-ray will be taken to understand the condition of the tooth and root to help the dentist plan the best way to remove the teeth.
Two types of tooth removal procedures:
- Simple extraction: Simple extractions are used to remove most of the teeth that are fully erupted with the use of local anesthetic.
- Surgical extraction: Surgical extractions are used under situations when the tooth is seriously decayed or broken, a tooth that blocks another tooth from coming through, special root shape that causes difficulty in extracting the tooth, or lack of elasticity of the gum (which is commonly seen in elder people) with the use of local anesthetic. A follow up appointment is required with the dentist one week following the procedure.