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A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from your mouth by a dentist or oral surgeon. You are most likely in need of extraction if you have a badly damaged tooth beyond repair or a tooth that cannot be saved with a root canal treatment. At West Lake Dentistry, tooth extraction may also be necessary if a tooth has been abscessed or is causing pain due to severe decay. Once a tooth is removed, you will likely be fitted for a dental implant to replace the missing tooth. Dental implants are the closest restoration you can get to a natural tooth. 

When Is an Extraction Performed?

• Severe tooth pain or discomfort when chewing or biting down
• Tooth trauma that has caused a tooth to be knocked loose from its socket
• Gum disease that has weakened and damaged a tooth to the point that it is beyond saving
• Teeth that are too crowded for standard orthodontic treatment to fit comfortably
• Wisdom teeth that have become impacted and are causing pain and inflammation
• Crowded teeth that are not able to be straightened using orthodontics alone

The dentist will always try to preserve a patient’s natural teeth if possible. However, there are situations where it is best to remove a tooth from the patient’s mouth and replace it with an artificial replacement. 

The Procedure for Teeth Extractions

This largely depends on where the tooth is extracted and whether it can be entirely removed in one piece. Not all teeth can be removed this way; for example, impacted wisdom teeth must be removed in pieces to minimize risks to the patient. Either way, your tooth extraction procedure will begin with administering anesthetics to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment process. Once sufficiently numbed, your dentist will carefully make incisions in the gums and gently rock the tooth back and forth until it’s loose enough to pull entirely from the socket. 

Sometimes, the tooth must be cut in two to be eradicated. If this happens, your dentist will stitch your gums closed using dissolvable stitches and prescribe pain medication to help manage any initial discomfort or pain. Usually, you’ll need to wait a few weeks before placing a replacement prosthetic tooth in your gap. This will give your gums time to heal properly before you place an artificial device in the mouth. Your dentist may recommend taking an antibiotic or mouth rinse to prevent infection during this time. If you’re experiencing significant pain or bleeding after your extraction, contact your dental office immediately to discuss your options.

Extracting a tooth is the last option after all other restorative treatments have been explored. For the best dental care tailored to your needs, visit West Lake Dentistry at 298 N. Hwy 16 Suite E, Denver, NC 28037, or call (704) 483-1870.