Extractions

There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk of decay, so your doctor may recommend removal and replacement with a bridge or implant. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.

When it is determined that a tooth needs to be removed, your dentist may extract the tooth during a regular checkup or may request another visit for this procedure. The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a "tooth socket," and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. In order to extract a tooth, your dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. While this procedure is typically very quick, it is important to share with your doctor any concerns or preferences for sedation.

Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift causing problems with chewing or with your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, your dentist may recommend that you replace the extracted tooth.

Our goal is to prevent tooth loss. However, it is sometimes necessary to remove a tooth due to severe decay, advanced gum disease, infection, orthodontic correction, malpositioned teeth, fractured teeth or roots, or impacted teeth (mainly wisdom teeth).

Often teeth can be saved with root canal therapy. Extraction of a tooth should only be performed when the tooth is diagnosed unrestorable. Like any surgery, there are certain risks associated with tooth extractions. The dentists at Layton Hills Dental will explain any associated risks prior to surgery, and then, of course, let you make the decision.

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