Tooth 
Extractions

Why Are Tooth Extractions Needed?

If a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay, your dentist will try to repair it with a filling, crown, or other restorative treatment. However, sometimes the damage is too severe for the tooth to be repaired, and extraction becomes necessary. A tooth affected by gum disease may also require extraction if it cannot be saved, even with gum and bone replacement surgery.

There are other reasons why a tooth extraction may be needed, including:

• Crowding – Some patients may experience overcrowding of teeth, which can prevent new teeth from growing properly. In such cases, tooth extraction may be recommended to allow new teeth to emerge. Sometimes, baby teeth may not fall out in time for permanent teeth to come in.
• Orthodontics – For patients needing braces, a tooth extraction may be suggested to make room for teeth to align properly.
• Wisdom Teeth (3rd molars) – Wisdom teeth are often extracted in the late teens or early 20s if they grow improperly or cause discomfort. They may also be removed if they are decayed, cause pain, show signs of infection or a cyst, or become impacted (stuck in the jaw) and cannot fully emerge. Impacted wisdom teeth can irritate the gums, leading to pain and swelling, which may require removal.
• Supernumerary Teeth – Some patients have extra teeth (supernumerary teeth) that may require extraction.
• Radiation and Cancer Treatments – Patients receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck may need to have teeth in the radiation field extracted. Cancer drugs that weaken the immune system may cause infected teeth, which could require extraction.
• Medical Reasons – Certain teeth may need to be extracted to prevent infection before an organ transplant. Patients undergoing bisphosphonate treatment for conditions like osteoporosis should also have teeth extracted before treatment begins, as post-treatment extraction increases the risk of osteonecrosis (bone death) in the jaw.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

There are two main types of tooth extractions, depending on your situation:

• Simple Extraction – A simple extraction is non-surgical. After administering local anesthesia, we will use a special instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth in its socket. The tooth will then be removed using forceps. This procedure is typically performed on visible teeth and is commonly done by general dentists.
• Surgical Extraction – A surgical extraction is more complex and is used for teeth that are broken at the gum line or haven’t fully erupted. After administering local anesthesia, we will make a small incision in the gum to remove the tooth. In some cases, bone may need to be removed around the tooth or the tooth may need to be sectioned for extraction.

We may prescribe antibiotics before and after the procedure, especially if:

• You have an infection at the time of surgery.
• You have a weakened immune system.
• The procedure is lengthy.
• You have certain medical conditions.

In some cases, you may receive intravenous (IV) anesthesia, ranging from conscious sedation to general anesthesia. After the extraction, someone will need to drive you home and stay with you. We will provide you with post-surgery care instructions to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask us before you leave the office or give us a call.