Modern dentistry and oral health practitioners aim to preserve natural teeth; however, there are some cases when damaged or severely decayed teeth may need to be removed (extracted) to prevent bacteria from spreading to the adjacent teeth or bone. In cases like this, tooth extraction may be the most effective option for returning your mouth to good health and proper function.
There are several conditions that may necessitate a tooth extraction, such as:
- Severe infection that has damaged a large portion of the tooth and has spread to the supporting bone structure
- Extensive tooth decay that is beyond repair, making a traditional restoration impossible
- Crowded teeth that is a result of having too many teeth to fit properly in the mouth
Another common extraction is that of wisdom teeth. Most people who have wisdom teeth end up needing to have them removed to prevent crowded teeth, impacted teeth, infection, or other problems. The dentist will use X-rays to examine the placement and size of your wisdom teeth and recommend whether you require need your wisdom teeth to be removed.
Tooth extractions are performed under local anesthesia to eliminate any pain or discomfort you may feel during your procedure. The dentist will also provide you with post-operative instructions to care for your mouth while the extraction site heals.
