Two Approaches to Tooth Extraction: Simple vs. Surgical
Dentists always aim to preserve your natural teeth, but sometimes extraction is necessary. The method used depends on the extent of the tooth's damage:
- Simple Extraction: This method is used for teeth that are visible and easily accessible. Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area, and the dentist uses an elevator and forceps to remove the tooth.
- Surgical Extraction: This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is used for teeth that are not easily accessible, such as impacted or broken teeth beneath the gum line. The dentist makes a small incision in the gum, may remove surrounding bone or cut the tooth, and then extracts it using an elevator and forceps.
Tooth extractions are commonly associated with wisdom teeth removal but may also be necessary for severe decay, advanced gum disease, overcrowding, impacted teeth, broken teeth, or baby teeth that haven’t fallen out on their own.
Reasons You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is a leading cause of tooth extraction, particularly for patients who miss regular dental checkups. Without biannual visits and professional cleanings, early signs of decay can go unnoticed until they become severe. As decay advances, your tooth generally undergoes the following stages:
- Tooth Decay Begins with Enamel: Decay first affects the tooth's outer layer, the enamel.
- Deterioration of Inner Tooth Layers: Once the enamel is worn away, the inner part of the tooth starts to deteriorate.
- Cavity Formation: As decay progresses, it creates a cavity, causing further damage to the tooth.
- Root Canal Infection: If bacteria reach the tooth's center, it can lead to a root canal infection.
Delaying treatment allows infection and damage to escalate. If your dentist finds that a tooth is beyond repair, they will likely recommend extraction followed by a bridge or implant. However, cavities detected early can often be effectively treated with a simple filling.
Gum disease
Like advanced tooth decay, gum disease significantly affects the gum tissue, ligaments, and bone supporting the teeth. As these supporting structures deteriorate, teeth may become loose and may eventually fall out or require extraction. Treatment will focus on managing the gum disease and exploring options for tooth replacement.
Overcrowded teeth
To manage overcrowding during orthodontic treatment, a tooth extraction might be necessary to create additional space. This allows the remaining teeth to be properly aligned and shifted into their correct positions.
Impacted teeth
Impaction occurs when a tooth does not fully emerge from the gum line or only partially erupts. This can be caused by overcrowding, abnormal tooth angles, or displacement. Wisdom teeth are especially susceptible to impaction, often due to insufficient space in the jaw to accommodate them.
Broken teeth
A tooth may need to be extracted if it breaks at or near the gum line, as this can make it nearly impossible to repair or restore.
Baby teeth
Sometimes, baby teeth can emerge in an abnormal position, obstructing the proper eruption of the permanent tooth beneath. Removing the baby tooth can help the permanent tooth to come in correctly.
