Extractions

Extractions are often used as a last resort when a tooth is considered unrestorable by other treatments. During a dental extraction, a tooth is removed completely from its socket.

An extraction may be straightforward (simple extraction) or involve a more complex approach (surgical extraction). In either case, there are few health concerns associated with dental extractions and in most cases, the benefits of the procedure outweigh the potential risks.

If you are considering a dental extraction or have one scheduled, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the procedure. Learn more about extractions, what happens during treatment, and other aspects of tooth removal.

Why are Teeth Extracted?

There are many reasons teeth are extracted, ranging from tooth decay to serious injuries. If you are experiencing pain, decay, infection, or other dental issues, your dentist will examine your teeth to determine if an alternative procedure can be performed to relieve your symptoms. If there are no viable alternative treatment options, your dentist may recommend an extraction.

Some of the most common reasons teeth are extracted include:

• Crowding – The risk of crowding increases as we grow older. This risk increases further if you have all four wisdom teeth. Crowding can cause teeth to overlap or turn in odd positions, resulting in a crooked smile. A dental extraction can help prepare the mouth for teeth alignment.
• Infection – Decaying or damaged teeth can affect the blood vessels and nerves within the tooth, resulting in infection or increasing your risk of infection. Pulling the infected tooth can relieve discomfort and prevent more serious diseases from developing.
• Gum Disease – Periodontal disease refers to an infection of the tissues and bones that support the teeth. When your gums are severely inflamed or infected, it can make it painful to bite and chew. A dental extraction can help eliminate this pain and may be necessary if a tooth begins to loosen due to progressed gum disease.
• Cavities – Excessive tooth decay is a common cause of tooth extractions. If a cavity is not properly treated early on, the decay can spread through the tooth and into the more sensitive core layers. When this occurs, a standard filling may not be sufficient to repair the tooth and an extraction may be necessary.

What Happens During an Extraction?

The type of tooth extraction you’ll undergo will be based on whether your tooth is visible (above the gumline) or impacted (below the gumline).

If the tooth is visible, you’ll receive a simple extraction. With a simple extraction, the area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic so that you only feel pressure, not pain, during the procedure. A tool known as an elevator is used to lift the tooth from the socket. The dentist then uses forceps to grab the tooth.

If your tooth is impacted, you may undergo a surgical extraction in which you may receive local and intravenous anesthesia. During this procedure, the dentist cuts into the gums to create a small incision. The tooth is then cut into pieces before being removed from the bone. Pieces of bone surrounding the tooth may also need to be removed.

What are the Benefits of Extractions?

While your permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, there are circumstances in which removing a tooth can be helpful. The biggest advantage of extractions for many patients is pain relief. Dental trauma, decay, and other oral health issues can cause extreme pain or sensitivity that can only be relieved through the removal of the tooth.

Removing an infected or damaged tooth can also protect the rest of your teeth. Allowing decay or infection to spread to neighboring teeth can result in painful and costly dental issues, including possible damage to surrounding tissues and bones. Extraction of the affected tooth helps minimize or eliminate these risks.

Contact Your Clermont Family Dentistry

Tooth extraction may seem daunting but this procedure is often straightforward. Your dentist in Clermont will prepare you for treatment beforehand and provide recommendations on how to minimize discomfort after the procedure. To learn more about extractions or to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Clermont FL, contact Hancock Village Dental.