Tooth Removal
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.
When is it done?
- If a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay, your dentist will try to fix it with a filling, crown, or other treatment.
Sometimes, though, there's too much damage for the tooth to be repaired. In this case, the tooth needs to be extracted.
- A very loose tooth will also require extraction.
Here are other reasons:
- Some people have extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in.
- Sometimes baby teeth don't fall out in time for permanent teeth to come in.
- People getting braces may need teeth removed to create room for teeth to be moved into place.
- People receiving radiation to head and neck may need to have teeth in the field of radiation to be extracted.
- Wisdom teeth if grossly decayed, unerupted, painful, or having cyst or infection may be advised for extraction.
We will take an X-ray of the area to help plan the best way to remove the tooth.
Be sure to provide your full medical and dental history and a list of all medicines you take. This should include both prescription and over the counter medicines, vitamins and supplements.
If you have cough, stuffy nose or cold up to one week before treatment, or have suffered nausea or vomiting a night before the scheduled procedure, inform us.
Do not smoke on the day of the procedure as this can increase the risk of a painful problem called dry socket.
After extraction, someone will need to drive you home and stay with you. We will provide you with post surgery or extraction instructions; it is very important you follow them.