What is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure where we extract a tooth from the bone socket. The goal is to preserve natural teeth, but at times, the loss of a tooth is preferred to maintain the overall health of your mouth.
Advanced tooth decay is one reason you might undergo an extraction. If decay is so advanced that it has broken through a tooth beyond the point of rescue, removal can prevent further infection and pain. The same applies to infections that comprise a large part of the tooth and the surrounding bone structure.
Another reason you might have a tooth pulled is that there are simply too many teeth for the size of the mouth. An individual might have significantly crowded mouths, and the removal of a tooth allows the rest of the teeth to be aligned and spaced properly. It is also a very common practice for patients before fitting the orthodontic appliance.
Types of Tooth Extractions
At Downers Grove Dental and Orthodontics, we offer a variety of tooth extraction options to suit your needs:
- Simple Extractions: Done on teeth that are visible in the mouth, simple extractions are performed by loosening the tooth with an elevator and then pulling the tooth with forceps. Typically, this procedure is done using only local anesthetic and is not painful.
- Surgical Extractions: Done on teeth that are not easily accessible for simple extraction procedures, such as impacted wisdom teeth. The procedure is conducted by making an incision in the gum in order to access the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may need to be removed in several pieces to ensure the procedure is complete and efficient.
- Wisdom Teeth Extractions: A common cause of overcrowding in the mouth, wisdom teeth often cause some pain and/or infection if they are impacted. Having these teeth removed helps to prevent future oral health issues and also keeps your teeth in line and healthy.