Tooth Extractions
When a tooth can't be saved, gentle extractions are performed with options to replace it.
Our goal is always to explore every option for saving a tooth before recommending an extraction. There are situations, however, when removal becomes necessary. The most common are impacted wisdom teeth and teeth that have been damaged beyond repair by disease or decay.
Wisdom teeth removal
- What they areWisdom teeth are the four third molars at the back of the mouth, the last to come in. Once useful for chewing coarser foods, they are now considered functionally unnecessary.
- Why impacted teeth are a problemWithout room to erupt properly, wisdom teeth become impacted. They can be painful and cause crowding, misalignment, or damage to neighbors. Partially erupted teeth can also trap bacteria, leading to infection, swelling, decay, and bad breath.
- Earlier is betterAddressing impacted wisdom teeth early, especially in young adults, prevents future issues and creates space for orthodontic treatment.
Other reasons for extraction
- Severe decay or infectionWhen tooth decay or a bacterial infection damages the pulp and the tooth cannot be restored, extraction is sometimes the best way to keep the problem from spreading.
- Vertical root fractureA crack that runs the length of the root often makes a tooth impossible to save.
- Surgical or restorative needsCertain procedures or restorations may require removing one or more teeth to facilitate treatment or to make room for other teeth to move into their proper positions, including planning for implants, bridges, or dentures.
"Before any extraction, your doctor will walk you through each step of the procedure and answer your questions. Detailed aftercare instructions are provided so you know exactly how to support a smooth, comfortable recovery."
Specialty Dentistry · Hingham Square, MA
Questions
Tooth Extractions questions, answered.
Every mouth is different. If your question is not here, call the office and we will answer it directly.
When is a tooth extraction necessary?
- Extraction becomes necessary when a tooth is damaged beyond repair by disease or decay, or when a vertical root fracture or impacted wisdom tooth cannot be resolved another way. The office always explores every option for saving a tooth first.
Why do wisdom teeth need to come out?
- Without room to erupt properly, wisdom teeth become impacted and can cause pain, crowding, or damage to neighboring teeth. Partially erupted teeth can also trap bacteria, leading to infection or decay.
Is it better to remove wisdom teeth early?
- Addressing impacted wisdom teeth early, especially in young adults, prevents future issues and can create space for orthodontic treatment. Ask your dentist to evaluate your wisdom teeth at a routine visit.
What are my options for replacing an extracted tooth?
- Depending on your case, options can include a dental implant, a bridge, or a denture. Because extractions are sometimes planned as part of restorative treatment, your dentist can discuss replacement at the same visit.
What should I expect for aftercare following an extraction?
- Your doctor walks you through each step of the procedure beforehand and answers your questions. Detailed aftercare instructions are provided afterward to support a smooth, comfortable recovery.
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