Extractions

A dental extraction involves the complete removal of a tooth from its socket. A trained dentist would carry out an extraction after administering local anesthesia to the patient to avoid pain or discomfort. Extraction would be necessary when a tooth has been severely infected by cavities, damaged due to external trauma, impacted, or to make space for the movement of teeth while receiving orthodontic treatment (braces or Invisalign).

When is an extraction required?

Cavities: One of the most common causes that leads to dental extraction is tooth decay. Cavities are caused due to the accumulated plaque and tartar on the teeth' surface that can erode the enamel by releasing harmful toxins. When the tooth gets infected, we will try every method of treatment to save and restore it. But when they don't succeed at restoring the tooth, it will have to be extracted to prevent the gums and remaining teeth from getting infected.

Malocclusion: Sometimes, the teeth appear so crowded that the aesthetics of the smile would be entirely ruined by it. Teeth may have to be extracted from either side of the jaw to ensure the remaining teeth get enough space to move during the orthodontic treatment.

Impaction: Impacted wisdom teeth are the ones that tend to get stuck in the socket while emerging. They do not stay under the gums, nor do they fully erupt, causing immense pain. If left untreated, they can lead to infection, which is why it is best to get them extracted.

External trauma: When you sustain a hard blow to the mouth, it could severely damage the teeth. Sometimes, the teeth could end up broken so bad that there is no means of restoring them, and they will have to be extracted.

How is a tooth extracted?

The teeth will be cleaned thoroughly to get rid of the microbes. Local anesthesia will be administered before starting the procedure, and once it takes effect, the dentist would firmly grip the tooth using forceps and give it mild jerks to loosen it from the socket. Once it has loosened enough, it will be extracted in one pull, and the patient would barely feel it. Most patients say that they felt no pain but a mild sensation of pressure.

After the extraction, you'll be asked to bite into a piece of gauze to control the bleeding and to form a clot. It is best if you're accompanied by someone to our practice so that they can take you home after the procedure (the anesthesia would take its time to wear off). It would be best if you didn't eat anything too hot or spicy for the next few days until the wound heals. Brushing and flossing must also be done with caution to avoid injuries to the site of extraction.

Please get in touch with us through online consultation or by calling us at  407-647-3223, and we'll guide you further.