Importance of Dental Extractions

Dental extractions refer to removing a tooth or multiple teeth from their sockets in the jawbone. It is a dental procedure performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon to remove a tooth damaged, decayed, infected, impacted, or causing other dental problems. At Zhao Dental, dental extractions provide several benefits, including pain relief, prevention of infection spread, improved oral health, orthodontic benefits, relief from impacted teeth, and preparation for prosthetic devices. Dental extractions are typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth, making the procedure relatively painless. After the extraction, the dentist may place stitches to close the wound if necessary. Patients are given post-operative instructions, including information on managing discomfort, swelling, or bleeding and guidance on oral hygiene practices during healing.

Types of Dental Extractions

Simple Extraction

This type of extraction is performed on a tooth visible in the mouth. The dentist or oral surgeon uses a dental instrument called an elevator to loosen the tooth and then uses forceps to remove it from the socket gently.

Surgical Extraction

Surgical extractions are more complex and involve the removal of teeth that are not fully erupted or cannot be easily accessed. This may include impacted teeth (such as wisdom teeth) or broken teeth below the gumline. The dentist or oral surgeon may need to make an incision in the gum tissue and possibly remove a small amount of bone to access and extract the tooth.

Reasons for Dental Extractions

Severe Tooth Decay

When tooth decay is extensive and affects the inner layers of the tooth, such as the pulp, root canal treatment may not be possible or successful. In such cases, extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection.

Advanced Gum Disease

Gum disease can cause the tooth's supporting structures, such as the gums and bone, to deteriorate. Extraction may be required if the disease is advanced and has led to tooth loosening or bone loss.

Tooth Infection or Abscess

Suppose a tooth infection is severe and does not respond to root canal treatment or antibiotics. In that case, extraction may be necessary to remove the source of the infection and prevent its spread.

Impacted Teeth

Sometimes, teeth may become impacted, which means they cannot fully emerge through the gum line. This commonly occurs with wisdom teeth. Impacted teeth can cause pain, infection, crowding, or damage to adjacent teeth, and extraction is often recommended.

Crowding or Orthodontic Treatment

In cases of severe dental crowding or when preparing for orthodontic treatment, extracting one or more teeth may be necessary to create space for properly aligning the remaining teeth.

Remember, preserving natural teeth is the preferred approach, and dental extractions are performed when necessary for the patient's overall dental health and well-being. If you require a dental extraction or have concerns about a specific tooth, visit Zhao Dental at 5720 Stoneridge Mall Rd #200, Pleasanton, CA 94588, or call (925) 847-8790 to schedule an appointment.