What is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jaw bone.
At DDS Collingwood, we recommend tooth extractions only when a tooth can’t be saved due to severe decay, gum disease, or trauma. Your dentist will always consider less invasive options first, but sometimes removal is the best choice to protect your oral health.
In some situations, teeth are also removed to make room for other dental treatments or to improve overall oral function.
If an extraction is needed, your dentist will walk you through your tooth replacement options, such as dental bridges, implants, or dentures, to help restore your smile.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. While some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may experience complications as they begin to grow in.
In many cases, these teeth don’t have enough room to grow in properly. As a result, they can push against the rest of the teeth and cause crowding, shifting, or misalignment. Wisdom teeth may also come in at an angle, remain partially erupted, or stay completely trapped beneath the gums, which is also called 'impaction'.
Even if they do emerge fully, wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth, which can make them difficult to clean effectively. This increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and infections.
Because of these potential issues, your dentist may recommend removing your wisdom teeth to protect your oral health and prevent future problems.
Tooth Extraction Process
Prior to an extraction, your dentist will perform a number of diagnostic tests, including X-rays, to be sure that they can't save the tooth.
If they decide the tooth needs to be pulled, they will begin the process by numbing the site so that you don't feel the removal. Dental sedation may also be used.
If the tooth has completely emerged from the gumline, your dentist will use specialized instruments to move the tooth around until it comes free from the socket. Otherwise, your dentist may have to make an incision in your gum so that they can access the whole tooth.
Any pain over the first few days after a tooth removal can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. A member of our team will follow up with you to ensure your recovery is going smoothly and to respond to any questions or concerns you may have in the days after the procedure.