Dental extraction (tooth extraction) is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jaw. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons. Most commonly, teeth are removed if they become unsalvageable through tooth decay, periodontal disease or dental trauma. Sometimes, teeth are removed due to overcrowding in the jaw. In young children, milk teeth usually loosen and fall out as permanent teeth erupt. Some parents prefer to have such teeth removed in a clean and painless manner in the dental office.
For adolescent and adult tooth extractions, the dentist may take an x-ray to determine the best way to extract the tooth. Some teeth are difficult to remove due to reasons such as the tooth’s position, integrity, shape of its roots and density of the surrounding bone.
Generally, there are two types of extractions:
1) Straightforward extraction where the tooth is loosened with an elevator and then removed with forceps. Local anaesthesia given will numb the area around your tooth so you will feel only pressure and not pain during the procedure.
2) Surgical extraction is a more complex procedure, which is needed if a tooth has broken off at the gum line or has not erupted fully in the mouth. The dentist will make a small incision into the gums to surgically remove the broken tooth or impacted wisdom tooth. After the tooth is removed, stitches are placed and a review is usually scheduled 1-2 weeks later. This surgical procedure can be done under local anaesthesia . General anaesthesia can be arranged if preferred.
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