What is a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction involves completely removing a tooth from the jaw. Dentists and oral surgeons perform this procedure when other treatments fail to resolve infections or restore oral health.
Extraction of baby teeth is sometimes required when there is a spacing problem, the child cannot remove the tooth on their own, or if the tooth is severely decayed. Extraction of adult teeth may be required if a tooth is impacted, severely decayed, or traumatically broken.
Infected teeth can cause swelling, pain, and fever. Antibiotics are usually prescribed before extraction to enhance anesthetic effectiveness and prevent infection spread, though infections can sometimes progress quickly.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt in the back corners of a normal adult mouth. This usually occurs between 17 and 25 years of age.
This third set of teeth is not always functional and can cause crowding as they develop. Spacing issues may also affect oral hygiene. It may become more difficult to properly reach each part of the tooth's surface while brushing and flossing. In these cases, your dentist may recommend removing them.
Complicated Extractions
A referral to an oral surgeon may be warranted in a complicated situation. More complex cases, such as with medically compromised patients, may need to be treated in the hospital under a general anesthetic. We typically provide local anesthetic but other sedation options may be required depending on the patient and their oral health issue.
After an extraction, you will receive post-operative instructions for recovery, including pain management and hygiene.
