The extraction of one or more teeth performed by a dentist.
Dental extraction is carried out when a tooth is extensively decayed or broken beyond repair, or in the presence of an abscess. Removal of teeth might also be necessary in cases of dental overcrowding or malocclusion (an improper bite), if they’re loose due to serious gum disease, or if they’re obstructing another tooth from breaking through the gum.
Most tooth extractions utilize local anesthesia. However, general anesthesia may be employed for the removal of severely impacted wisdom teeth, simultaneous extraction of multiple teeth, or for patients who are exceptionally anxious, have disabilities, or are young children.
Typically, dental forceps, designed to grip the tooth root, are used for tooth extraction. Applying gentle yet firm pressure with these forceps severs the periodontal ligaments tough, fibrous membranes that hold the tooth in its socket gradually widens the socket, and enables the removal of the tooth. In some cases, the root might fracture during this process, necessitating its separate removal.
For complex extractions, such as those involving an impacted tooth, a missing crown, or highly curved roots, it may be necessary to remove some gum tissue and bone surrounding the tooth prior to its extraction. After the tooth removal, the gum is typically sewn up using sutures.
Typically, tooth extractions proceed without complications. However, if bleeding continues post extraction, it may be necessary to suture the tissue surrounding the socket to halt the bleeding.
In some cases, if a blood clot does not form in the vacated tooth socket, or if it gets displaced, it can lead to a condition known as dry socket, which is an infection in the tooth socket.