We all hope that our permanent teeth will last a lifetime, but occasionally a tooth becomes damaged or decayed to the point that extraction is the only real option. Other reasons include:
- Infection: If damage reaches the pulp, which is where the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels are located, infection can result. Antibiotic-resistant infections may require an extraction to eliminate the problem.
- Gum disease: If your teeth have loosened due to periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend extraction.
- Crowded teeth: Teeth occasionally have to be extracted to get the mouth ready for orthodontic work. If a tooth can’t erupt through the gum because there is no room for it, extraction may be necessary.
Prior to any extraction work, your dentist will do a visual and x-ray examination of the tooth and the surrounding tissues to determine their condition. This will ensure that the process goes smoothly and allow the dentist to make informed recommendations about any restoration treatments.
What can I expect during the extraction procedure?
The majority of extractions are straightforward procedures, and nothing to worry about. Some patients experience anxiety at the prospect of having a tooth pulled; if this applies to you, we can offer conscious sedation, which will result in a more relaxed experience.
Before removing the affected tooth, your dentist will numb the area using a local anaesthetic. If the tooth is impacted or you are having more than one extraction, a general anaesthetic may be used instead: by the time you wake up, the procedure will be over.
Post-extraction care includes rest, temporary restrictions on what you read and drink, and taking special care of the extraction site. Your dentist will provide you with appropriate instructions.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of your mouth. You may not even be aware of yours, as they rarely break through the gum tissue. Unfortunately, they may also become infected and require extraction. Your dentist will take X-rays that pinpoint the location and condition of your wisdom teeth and examine them for any sign that an extraction might be necessary.
Should your wisdom teeth require removal, your dentist will explain the procedure itself, the sedation options, and anticipated aftercare. Severely impacted wisdom teeth, or teeth with a problematic structure or root position, may have to be extracted by an oral surgeon: your dentist will arrange the particulars.
