A tooth extraction is a common dental procedure used to remove a tooth that is damaged, infected, or causing problems in the mouth. Although dentists aim to save natural teeth whenever possible, sometimes removing a tooth is the best way to relieve pain and protect overall oral health.
In certain situations, a patient may be referred to an oral surgeon for the procedure. This is more likely when the extraction is complicated, such as when removing impacted teeth or wisdom teeth.
Who Performs Tooth Extractions?
Most routine tooth extractions are performed by a general dentist. However, in more complex cases, a specialist may be required. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is specially trained to carry out surgical extractions and more complicated procedures.
Oral surgeons commonly remove third molars (wisdom teeth), particularly if they are impacted, partially erupted, or causing infection or crowding.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
Before the extraction begins, the dentist or surgeon will numb the area with a local anaesthetic to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
Once the tooth and surrounding tissue are numb, the dentist will carefully loosen the tooth and remove it from the socket. While patients may feel some pressure during the procedure, they should not feel pain.
Although tooth extraction can feel unpleasant, it often provides rapid relief from severe dental pain, especially when a tooth is badly decayed, infected, or damaged.
Types of Tooth Extraction
There are two main types of tooth extraction:
Simple extraction
This procedure is carried out when the tooth is visible in the mouth and can be removed using dental instruments. Dentists typically perform simple extractions under local anaesthetic.
Surgical extraction
A surgical extraction is required when the tooth is broken at the gum line, impacted, or not fully erupted. In these cases, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to make a small incision in the gum to remove the tooth safely.
Why Might a Tooth Need to Be Removed?
A dentist may recommend a tooth extraction for several reasons, including:
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Severe tooth decay that cannot be repaired
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Advanced gum disease affecting the supporting bone
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Dental infection or abscess
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Impacted wisdom teeth
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Overcrowding before orthodontic treatment
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Broken or severely damaged teeth
Removing a problematic tooth can prevent infection from spreading and help maintain the health of surrounding teeth and gums.
Aftercare Following a Tooth Extraction
Proper aftercare is important to allow the extraction site to heal properly. Patients are usually advised to:
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Bite gently on gauze to control bleeding
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Avoid rinsing, smoking, or using straws for the first 24 hours
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Eat soft foods while the area heals
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Keep the area clean while avoiding disturbance of the blood clot
Most people recover within a few days, although full healing may take a couple of weeks.
When to Seek Urgent Dental Advice
If you experience severe pain, prolonged bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection after a tooth extraction, you should contact a dentist as soon as possible. Prompt care can prevent complications and ensure proper healing.
If you are suffering from severe tooth pain or think you may need an urgent extraction, seeking emergency dental advice can help you access treatment quickly and relieve discomfort. 🦷
