Treatments

Tooth extraction is the dental procedure of removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It is performed when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, infected, or poses a risk to oral health and cannot be restored with treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy.

Types of Tooth Extractions

• 1- Simple Extraction
• Performed on visible teeth.
• The dentist loosens the tooth with an instrument (elevator) and removes it using forceps.
• 2- Surgical Extraction
• Required for teeth that are broken, impacted (such as wisdom teeth), or not easily accessible.
• Involves a small incision in the gum and sometimes removal of bone around the tooth.

Indications for Extraction

• Severe tooth decay beyond repair
• Advanced gum disease (periodontitis)
• Tooth fracture involving the root
• Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth
• Overcrowding (to assist orthodontic treatment)
• Infected teeth not responding to root canal treatment
• Retained milk teeth preventing permanent eruption

Procedure

• Examination & X-ray – to assess the tooth and surrounding bone.
• Anesthesia – local anesthesia to numb the area.
• Loosening the tooth – using dental elevators.
• Extraction – tooth is gently removed with forceps (or surgically if required).
• Cleaning & Sutures – socket is cleaned; stitches may be placed in surgical cases.
• Post-extraction care – gauze is placed to control bleeding.

Benefits

• Relief from severe pain and infection
• Prevents spread of infection to adjacent teeth and gums
• Facilitates orthodontic treatment in overcrowded cases
• Removes problematic wisdom teeth

Risks / Possible Complications

• Pain, swelling, or bleeding
• Dry socket (delayed healing due to loss of blood clot)
• Infection at the extraction site
• Injury to surrounding teeth, nerves, or sinuses (rare)