A tooth extraction is a procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jaw bone. There are several reasons why a tooth extraction might be necessary.
- Severe tooth decay: when a tooth is extensively decayed and cannot be effectively restored with a filling or crown, extraction may be required to prevent the spread of infection.
- Gum disease: advanced gum disease can lead to loose teeth that may need to be extracted to preserve overall oral health.
- Impacted wisdom teeth: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often don’t have enough space to emerge properly, causing pain, inflammation, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth.
- In some complex cases, you may need to be referred to the hospital or a different one.
- Crowding: As part of an orthodontic plan for aligning teeth.
- Trauma: A severely damaged or broken tooth may need to be extracted if it cannot be restored.
- Preparation for dentures: Tooth extraction may be necessary to make way for dentures or other dental prostheses.
