Two Methods for Tooth Extraction: Simple vs. Surgical
Dentists strive to save your natural teeth whenever possible, but sometimes extraction is necessary. The method of removal depends on the extent of the damage to the tooth:
Simple Extraction: For visible teeth, local anesthesia is applied or injected to numb the area. This procedure involves using an elevator and forceps to remove the tooth.
Surgical Extraction: This procedure is used when teeth need to be sectioned before removal.
Tooth extractions are often associated with the removal of wisdom teeth, but they may be necessary for various other reasons. These include severe tooth decay, advanced gum disease, overcrowding, impacted teeth, broken teeth, and baby teeth that haven’t fallen out on their own.
Why You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is the most common reason for tooth extraction, especially among patients who have skipped regular dental checkups. Without biannual visits and professional cleanings, early signs of decay may go undiagnosed until it's too late. As decay progresses, your tooth will typically go through the following stages:
- Tooth decay affects tooth enamel.
- Once worn through tooth enamel, the inner part of the tooth begins to deteriorate.
- As the decay eats a hole through the center of the tooth, the tooth suffers even more damage.
- When bacteria reach the center of the tooth, the ending result is a root canal infection.
Delaying treatment allows infection and damage to worsen. If your dentist determines that a tooth is beyond repair, extraction followed by a bridge or implant will likely be recommended. Early-detected cavities, however, can often be treated effectively with a simple filling.
Gum disease
Similar to advanced tooth decay, gum disease severely impacts the gum tissue, ligaments, and bone supporting the teeth. As these structures deteriorate, teeth may become loose and eventually fall out or need to be extracted. Treatment will then focus on addressing the gum disease and considering tooth replacement options.
Overcrowded teeth
To address overcrowding during orthodontic treatment, a tooth extraction may be required to create space. This allows the remaining teeth to be properly aligned and shifted into their correct positions.
Impacted teeth
Impaction happens when a tooth fails to fully emerge from the gum line or only partially erupts. This can be due to overcrowding, abnormal tooth angles, or displacement. Wisdom teeth are particularly prone to impaction because there may not be enough space in the jaw to accommodate them.
Broken teeth
A tooth may need to be extracted if it breaks at or near the gum line, making it nearly impossible to restore or repair.
Baby teeth
Occasionally, baby teeth may emerge in an abnormal position, preventing the proper eruption of the permanent tooth beneath it. Extracting the baby tooth can allow the permanent tooth to come in correctly.