When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary

A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the dental alveolus. An extraction can be necessary when a tooth is fractured or decayed and cannot be repaired or when a tooth is impacted. An impacted tooth is one that does not fully erupt through the gums but instead remains partially or fully embedded below the gum line. A dentist can use forceps or dental elevators to loosen and remove the tooth.

Sometimes, teeth become so badly decayed or damaged that they cannot be saved with fillings or other restorations. In these cases, our dentist may advise extracting the tooth and replacing it with an implant or a bridge. If a tooth is so damaged and infected that it requires a root canal, it may still need to be removed if there isn’t sufficient bone for an implant to be placed. In this case, we will remove the diseased tooth and replace it with a bridge or an implant-supported crown.

Indications for Dental Extractions

If tooth decay or infection has affected a tooth, it may need to be extracted. A tooth may need removal if it has broken off at the gum line and cannot be saved, if it has been damaged by trauma, if there is severe gum disease that has caused bone loss around the affected tooth and it cannot be restored; or if the tooth has been worn down due to excessive grinding of the teeth.

Your dentist may recommend the extraction of one or more teeth for various reasons, including:

• Removing wisdom teeth if they are causing pain or other problems
• Treating advanced periodontal disease when other treatments are not effective
• Protecting a patient’s overall health by addressing the presence of an infection in a tooth
• Saving the lifespan of the adjacent teeth and jawbone by preventing overcrowding in the mouth
• Creating room in the mouth for other treatments, such as orthodontics or dental implants
• Providing relief from chronic headaches caused by a misaligned jaw joint
• Restoring the smile after tooth loss

While tooth extraction may sound intimidating to patients, the procedure is almost always as easy and effective as getting a cavity filled. Local anesthetic can numb the area, alleviating pain and discomfort during the surgery. Patients are usually able to return to work the same day and have a fully healed mouth within a couple of weeks.

What Happens During a Dental Extraction?

For a straightforward dental extraction, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic before removing your tooth. Once your tooth is extracted, you may need to bite down on gauze to help stop the bleeding. Your dentist will also provide you with care instructions to follow as you recover at home. They’ll likely recommend taking over-the-counter medications to manage your pain and prevent infection. Avoid smoking or drinking through a straw for at least the first few days after your extraction, as these actions can hinder your healing process.

Keep in mind that it may take a few days for you to feel back to normal following an impacted tooth extraction. 

To learn more about tooth replacement options after a tooth extraction, visit Englewood Dentistry at 334 Grand Ave, Englewood 07631, or call (201) 541-8111.