Extractions

A tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jaw bone. There are several reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted, including tooth decay, gum disease, trauma, crowding, or a tooth that is not able to be saved with a root canal.

Simple extractions, which are the most common type, are typically performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth, such as the incisors or molars. The dentist will numb the area around the tooth to be extracted and then use dental instruments to loosen the tooth from its socket and remove it.

Surgical extractions, on the other hand, are used for teeth that are not visible in the mouth, such as impacted wisdom teeth or teeth that have not fully erupted. The dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth, then may need to remove bone blocking the tooth, before using dental instruments to remove the tooth.

After the extraction, the dentist will provide instructions for care and recovery, which may include taking over-the-counter pain medication and avoiding solid foods for a few days.