Extraction (Non-Surgical)

Dentists and oral surgeons perform tooth extractions for many reasons. The issue may be a painful wisdom tooth or a tooth that has been badly damaged by decay. In some cases, a dentist will remove a tooth to make space for dental prosthetics or braces.

An oral surgeon, not a dentist, may extract a tooth when the situation is more complicated. In many cases, they extract third molars or wisdom teeth.

The dentist or surgeon will numb the tooth first to make the person more comfortable. While a tooth extraction may still be unpleasant, it can be key for relieving dental pain and preventing future problems.

What is tooth extraction?

Dental cavities, gum disease, and dental infections are all reasons why a dentist might remove teeth.

A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth.

Dentists and oral surgeons remove teeth for various reasons.

Some examples include:

• Dental cavities
• Gum disease
• Dental infections
• Trauma or injury to the tooth or surrounding bone
• Wisdom teeth complications
• Preparation for a dental prosthesis
• Preparation for dental braces, if the teeth are very crowded
• Baby teeth not falling out at the proper age

Types

The right type of tooth extraction depends on the tooth’s shape, size, position, and location in the mouth.

Dental surgeons may classify extractions as simple or surgical.

• A simple/ non-surgical extraction involves a tooth that is visible above the gums and that a dentist can remove in one piece.
• A surgical extraction is more complicated and involves the removal of gum tissue, bone, or  both. The surgeon may need to remove the tooth in pieces.

Wisdom teeth are the last to erupt and usually the first to require extraction because in many people, they are impacted. This means that they have not fully emerged from the gums.

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure in oral surgery.