Ordinary tooth extraction

Tooth Extraction: A Guide to a Common Dental Procedure

A tooth extraction is the professional removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. It’s one of the most common dental procedures performed worldwide. While the idea of having a tooth pulled can be daunting, understanding the process, the reasons behind it, and what to expect can significantly ease anxiety.

Why Might a Tooth Need to Be Extracted?

Dentists recommend extraction only when a tooth cannot be saved or poses a risk to your oral health. Common reasons include:

Severe Tooth Decay: When decay reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, it can cause a severe infection. If a root canal treatment is not possible or has failed, extraction may be necessary.

Gum Disease: Advanced periodontal disease can loosen the teeth by destroying the bone and tissues that support them.

Impacted Teeth: This is most common with wisdom teeth that do not have enough room to emerge or develop normally, potentially causing pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth.

Crowding: Sometimes, teeth are extracted to create space for orthodontic treatment (braces) to properly align the remaining teeth.

Fractured Teeth: A tooth that is badly broken or cracked below the gum line may be beyond repair.

Risk of Infection: For patients with a compromised immune system (e.g., from chemotherapy or an organ transplant), even the risk of infection in a particular tooth may warrant its removal.