Extractions

What is an Extraction?

Extraction is the complete removal of a primary or a permanent tooth. An Extraction can be surgical or non-surgical. This depends on the difficulty of the extraction and whether or not the tooth is impacted or erupted, and whether it has straight or curved roots. No one looks forward to an extraction, but modern anesthesia will help keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Reasons for an extraction are:

Advanced Gum Disease. This is the #1 reason adults loose their teeth!
An abscessed tooth that cannot be saved.
A tooth with decay too deep to save the tooth.
A tooth that has broken at the gum line and cannot be saved.
Impacted tooth (typically a "Wisdom Tooth")
Some Orthodontic cases require that one or more teeth be extracted.

Nothing is better than a healthy set of teeth, and many advances in dentistry allow us to save teeth that we could not previously, but sometimes an extraction is necessary.

When an extraction is performed, it is important to put something in the place of the missing tooth or teeth. If the space is just left open, your teeth will shift and cause many unnecessary complications. An extracted tooth may be replaced by a temporary or permanent bridge, an implant, or by a partial or complete denture.

© Copyright 2008 Ted Reese, DDS. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.