What is a Tooth Extraction?
At Noftall Family Dentistry, our dentists perform extractions only when a less invasive treatment option is not possible. In certain situations, removing a tooth may be the most effective way to protect your oral health and prevent further complications.
Extractions may be necessary for several reasons. A tooth that is severely decayed or damaged might not be effectively restored with a filling or crown. Teeth that are infected or affected by advanced periodontal disease may also need to be removed to prevent the issue from spreading.
In some cases, extractions are needed to make space for other dental treatments, such as dentures or implants.
Wisdom tooth removal is a common type of dental extraction. These teeth may need to be removed if they are impacted, infected, causing discomfort, or if they pose a risk of crowding other teeth.
Your dentist will evaluate your specific situation and discuss whether extraction is the best option for maintaining your oral health.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that typically appear at the back of the mouth. Unlike other teeth, these molars often emerge later in life – around the ages of 17 and 25 – and may not have enough space to grow in properly.
When there isn’t enough room in the mouth, wisdom teeth can grow at an angle, remain partially under the gums, or become “impacted,” which means they are unable to fully erupt. These issues can put pressure on neighbouring teeth, leading to crowding or shifting.
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can also create pockets in the gums that are difficult to clean, increasing the risk of inflammation, infection, and discomfort.
In these situations, your dentist may recommend removing them to help protect your overall oral health.
What to Expect from an Extraction
A tooth extraction is performed by a dentist using local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. This helps minimize discomfort during the procedure.
For a simple extraction, which involves a tooth that is visible and easily accessible, your dentist will gently loosen the tooth and remove it from its socket. The process is generally very quick, only taking a few minutes once your numbing has set in.
If a tooth is impacted or broken, a surgical extraction may be necessary. In these situations, your dentist may refer you to a local oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
After the tooth is removed, your dentist will provide instructions for managing bleeding, swelling, and discomfort, as well as guidance on what to eat and how to care for the extraction site while it heals.