Dental Extractions

A dental extraction is also referred to as tooth extraction, exodontia, exodontics, or informally, tooth pulling. It is the removal of teeth from the dental alveolus (socket) in the alveolar bone of the mandible and maxilla. 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. Sometimes wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck and unable to grow normally into the mouth) and may cause recurrent infections of the gum called pericoronitis. In orthodontics if the teeth are crowded, sound teeth may be extracted in a last resort situation to create space so the rest of the teeth can be straightened.

Reasons for Extraction:

• Severe infection or tooth decay
• Overcrowding
• Severe Gum Disease
• Orthodontic Treatment
• Broken Tooth/Teeth
• Fractured Root/s

There are two main types of tooth extractions for different circumstances: a simple tooth extraction and a surgical tooth extraction. A simple dental extraction is performed when the tooth is visible and can be easily accessed. It may need to be removed because of tooth decay, injury, or to make room for orthodontic treatment. A surgical extraction is used when a tooth has broken off at or below the gum line or has not fully erupted. In this situation, access to the tooth is required through the gingiva, and sometimes bone to gain access to remove the tooth.