Tooth Extraction

Dental Extractions (also referred to as tooth extractions, exodontia) is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Having teeth pulled in adulthood is sometimes necessary. Dr. Beeram will make every attempt to save a tooth that has been broken or damaged by decay, with a filling, crown or other treatment. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, but most commonly to remove teeth with too much damage, from trauma or decay, for the tooth to be repaired. A very loose tooth also will require extraction if it cannot be saved, even with bone replacement surgery (bone graft).

Other reasons for tooth extraction include:

• Mouth Crowding: Sometimes to prepare the mouth for braces (orthodontic treatment), teeth need to be removed to create room for the teeth that are being moved into place.
• Risk of Infection: If your immune system is compromised (for example, if you are receiving chemotherapy or are having an organ transplant), even the risk of infection in a particular tooth may be reason enough to pull the tooth.
• Wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are often extracted either before or after they come in. They commonly come in during the late teens or early 20s. They need to be removed if they are decayed, cause pain or have a cyst or infection. These teeth often get stuck in the jaw (impacted) and do not come in. This can irritate the gum, causing pain and swelling. In this case, the tooth must be removed. If you need all four wisdom teeth removed, discuss with Dr. Beeram, they are usually taken out at the same time.
• Severe Infection: If tooth decay or damage extends to the pulp – the center of the containing nerves and blood vessels – bacteria in the mouth can enter the pulp, leading to infection. Often this can be corrected with root canal therapy (RCT), but if the infection is so severe that antibiotics or RCT do not cure it, extraction may be needed to prevent the spread of infection.
• Periodontal (Gum) Disease: If periodontal an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth – have caused loosening of the teeth, it may be necessary to pull the tooth or teeth.

Types of Tooth Extractions

You’ve heard the saying, “It’s like pulling teeth“…sometimes they can be difficult, particularly for a wisdom tooth extraction. There are two types of extractions: a simple extraction, where the dentist loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator to remove the tooth, or surgical extraction, a more complex procedure, which is used if a tooth may have broken off at the gum line or has not, erupted in the mouth. Both procedures will require some form of anesthesia.

If you need an extraction, Dr. Beeram will take an X-ray of the area to plan the best way to remove the tooth/teeth. Be sure to provide your full medical and dental history and a list of all medications you take. This should include prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements. Dr. Beeram then will discuss with you the different methods of anesthesia and which would be best for your procedure. Before having a tooth extraction, the area around the tooth will be numbed so that you feel comfortable. Sometimes you may need a couple of stitches. Dr. Beeram will advise you about a post extraction regimen to follow to ensure proper healing. In most cases a small amount of bleeding is normal. Your mouth will slowly fill in the socket through the formation of a blood clot.