Extractions

What are tooth extractions?

A tooth extraction is a procedure that removes a permanent tooth, including the crown and root. Willow Glen Dental Specialists offers two types of extractions: simple and surgical. 

Simple extraction

A simple extraction is a quick procedure in which the team at Willow Glen Dental Specialists removes a tooth from the crown. Simple extractions are only possible when the crown portion of your tooth is visible.

Surgical extraction

If your tooth is broken at the gum line or trapped beneath it, the team may perform a surgical extraction to remove it. That procedure involves cutting through your gum tissue to expose and remove the tooth. The most common reason for a surgical extraction is for removing wisdom teeth.

When are tooth extractions necessary?

Extracting an adult tooth is typically the last resort if restorative treatments haven’t resolved your dental issue. The team may recommend a tooth extraction if you have:

Impacted wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth are your third molars. They emerge during early adulthood, between ages 17-25. By the time your wisdom teeth come in, there may not be enough room in your mouth to support them. As a result, they can become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth may grow sideways, become trapped beneath the gum line, or only partially break through.

Severe tooth decay

Once tooth decay reaches the center of your tooth, it can infect the pulp. The tooth pulp is the soft center of your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. The pain from infected tooth pulp can be excruciating. To prevent the decay from spreading, the team may recommend a tooth extraction. 

Orthodontic preparation

Orthodontic treatments, such as braces, are often more effective when you have fewer teeth in your mouth. To prepare your mouth for orthodontics, the team may recommend extracting certain teeth.

What happens during tooth extractions?

If you have a simple tooth extraction, the process is fairly quick. After numbing your tooth with an anesthetic, the team uses a special dental instrument called an elevator to loosen it. Then, they remove it with forceps and pack your mouth with gauze to staunch the bleeding.

A surgical extraction is a more complex procedure. After anesthetizing your tooth, the team makes a small incision in your gums. If the tooth is blocked, they may need to remove a small portion of bone as well. Finally, they remove the tooth. If necessary, they may take it out in small pieces.

Once the entire socket is clear, the team stitches the gums and packs your mouth with gauze.

To learn more about tooth extractions, call Willow Glen Dental Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.