Extractions
There are certain situations in which your dentist may recommend having a tooth removed. The most common reasons are:
- A severely decayed or infected tooth
- Severe periodontal disease leading to a loss of bone and soft tissue support
- Inadequate space for erupting permanent teeth or extra teeth that are blocking others from erupting
- Preparation for orthodontic treatment (braces)
- Inadequate space for your wisdom teeth
- The visible portion of a tooth or root is severely fractured
Types of Extractions
1) Simple - A simple extraction is the removal of a tooth that is still visible. Simple extractions can usually be done under local anesthetic with the use of instruments that elevate and grasp the visible portion of the tooth. A simple extraction can be done during a routine dental visit.
2) Surgical - A surgical extraction involves removing a tooth or portion of a tooth that cannot be easily accessed due to a severe fracture, significant decay, or a tooth that has not fully erupted. During a surgical extraction, your dentist may uncover the tooth by elevating the soft tissues surrounding the tooth and in some cases, by removing bone to expose more of the tooth to facilitate removal. The tooth may also need to be divided into several pieces to make removal easier. Complicated surgical extractions are performed by an oral surgeon.
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