What is tooth extraction?

Simply put, tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves the complete removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.

When is a tooth extraction indicated?

When a tooth has become so damaged that a filling, cap or crown will not suffice, you may require complete removal of the tooth (a tooth extraction). There are several reasons why a patient may require extraction, common reasons include:

• Decayed tooth that cannot be repaired by filling or other dental treatment
• Trauma or injury to the tooth
• Some teeth may require extraction to create room for the teeth that move into place  as in orthodontic treatment
• Baby teeth that have not fallen out in time for the new adult teeth to come in
• Wisdom teeth that cause pain, have become infected or have developed a cyst will need to be removed to stop the infection spreading.

What is the process of tooth extraction?

During your dental examination, your dentist will advise X rays of the indicated teeth to assess the shape and position of the teeth and surrounding bone and will determine the best way to remove the affected tooth.

During a tooth extraction, the area surrounding the tooth is made numb by administering local anaesthesia. After the tooth is removed, you are asked to bite down gently on a piece of dry, sterile gauze which you should keep in place for 30 minutes to control bleeding.

You are advised some post extraction instructions like applying ice pack to your cheek to reduce swelling, limit strenuous activity and modified diet intake. You may experience mild post operative pain and discomfort following an extraction for which your dentist may recommend a pain killer.

There are 2 types of extractions you might be recommended:

• Simple extraction process requires only elevators and simple dental forceps. This is usually indicated for mobile teeth and teeth which are fairly visible in your mouth.
• Surgical extraction involves making a small incision in your gum, and removal of bone to extract underlying tooth. This is indicated in complex cases like teeth which are beneath the gum line or broken teeth.