Extractions

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A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to prevent restoration. Extractions of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth are routinely performed, as are extractions of some permanent teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.

Possible Reasons for Tooth Extraction

The most common reason for extraction is tooth damage due to breakage or decay. There are additional reasons for tooth extraction:

• Severe tooth decay or infection.
• Extra teeth which are blocking other teeth from coming in.
• Severe gum disease which may affect the supporting tissues and bone structures of teeth.
• In preparation for orthodontic treatment
• Fractured teeth
• Insufficient space for wisdom teeth

Despite the reduction in the worldwide prevalence of dental caries, this is still the most common reason for extraction.

Different Types of Extraction

Extractions are often categorised as “simple” or “surgical”.
Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth, usually under local anaesthetic, and require only the use of instruments to elevate and/or grasp the visible portion of the tooth.
Typically the tooth is lifted using an elevator, and using dental forceps, rocked back and forth until the supporting bone has been adequately widened to make the tooth loose enough to move. Typically, when teeth are removed with forceps, slow, steady pressure is applied with controlled force.
Surgical extractions involve the removal of teeth that can not be easily accessed, either because they have broken under the gum line or because they have not erupted fully. Surgical extractions almost always require an incision. In a surgical extraction the dentist may elevate the soft tissues covering the tooth and bone and may also remove some of the overlying and/or surrounding bone tissue with a drill or osteotome. Frequently, the tooth may have to be split into multiple pieces to facilitate its removal.


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