Dental Extractions
What is an Extraction?
Removal of problematic tooth
A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Typically, extractions are performed for teeth with hopeless prognosis (such as teeth that are fractured, heavily infection, or extremely loose) or teeth that need to be removed to preserve health of remaining teeth (such as wisdom teeth extraction or teeth removed for orthodontic treatment). The procedure can be simple or surgical, depending on the tooth's condition and position.
How is Extraction Done?
Know what to expect for your dental extraction appointment
Dental extractions can be simple or complex, depending on the tooth's condition, position, and surrounding anatomy. A simple extraction involves loosening the tooth with an instrument and removing it with forceps as a whole. When a tooth is heavily broken down, has multiple roots, is surrounded by solid bone, or is impacted (not fully erupted into the mouth), a surgical extraction may be necessary. This involves cutting the tooth into pieces, removing some surrounding bone, or making an incision in the gums. In the case of surgical extractions, post-surgery care is crucial to promote healing and prevent complications. Patients are instructed to keep the surgical area clean, minimize smoking and take medication as advised. See our website for our post-op instruction for dental extractions.
What about the missing tooth?
After a tooth extraction, several options are available to replace the missing tooth and restore function and aesthetics:
Do nothing: Sometimes the tooth does not need to be replaced.
Dental Bridges: Consists of one or more artificial teeth anchored by crowns on adjacent natural teeth. Dental bridges can be done in a short period time and provides great outcome. See here for more information about dental bridges.
Dental Implants: Dental implants are a popular and durable option. They involve surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a root for a replacement tooth, and attach a crown to the post once healing is completed. Dental implants avoid the need to rely on adjacent teeth to replace missing teeth, and it can last many years once successfully placed. However it takes time to complete an implant treatment and could be more costly. See here for more information about dental implants.
Partial Dentures (Flippers): Removable partial dentures are custom-made appliances that replace one or more missing teeth. They clasp onto the remaining natural teeth and needs to be be taken in and out for cleaning.