Extractions

Tooth Extraction

Good oral hygiene is a must, because the loss of a single tooth can have major impact on overall oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still some occasions when a tooth needs to be extracted. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

• Severe decay

• Advanced periodontal disease

• Infection or abscess

• Orthodontic correction

• Malpositioned teeth

• Fractured teeth or roots

• Impacted teeth

The dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted after careful examination and treatment—often taking x-rays to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone before extracting the tooth. Based on the degree of difficulty, a dentist may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.

A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, but it can be minimised with pain killers and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. Discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks.