A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. This procedure is performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to render the tooth non-restorable.
Extractions of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth are routinely performed, as are extractions of some permanent teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.
How are teeth removed?
- Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will thoroughly review your medical and dental history and take the X-rays. X-rays reveal the length, shape, and position of the tooth and surrounding bone.
- The area around the tooth will be anaesthetised with local anaesthetic.
- For a simple extraction, the tooth is loosened with the help of a tool called an elevator, then extracted with dental forceps.
- After the extraction, in some cases, your dentist will recommend a pain killer or prescribe one for you.