Extractions
A dental extraction is the removal of teeth from the socket. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, but most commonly to remove teeth which have become unrestorable through tooth decay, periodontal disease, or dental trauma, especially when they are associated with toothache.
Why a Tooth May be Pulled
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Severe tooth decay
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A fractured tooth
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An impacted tooth
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Crowded teeth
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Severe gum disease
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Tooth dislocation or other injuries
Simple vs. Surgical Extraction
Simple Extractions
Simple extractions are relatively easy procedures that require little to no major recovery time. This type of extraction is done on teeth that are clearly visible in the mouth, and not still hiding beneath the gums. Simple extraction is generally a quick procedure, and often multiple teeth can be removed at once if they need to be.
Surgical Extractions
For teeth that aren’t visible in the mouth, a different approach will need to be taken. Sometimes teeth have broken, leaving only the root intact, and other times, like with most wisdom teeth removal, the tooth simply hasn’t erupted yet. Generally, surgical extraction can be performed with a local anesthetic, but sometimes general anesthesia is applied to make the process easier for patient and doctor.