Teeth are extracted or removed for several reasons such as severely decayed, advanced periodontal disease, broken in a way that cannot be repaired, impacted teeth or in preparation for orthodontic treatment. We will review all of your options before a tooth is extracted as part of your dental health and treatment.

REASONS FOR PULLING TEETH

Although permanent teeth were meant to last a lifetime, there are a number of reasons why tooth extraction may be needed. A very common reason involves a tooth that is too badly damaged, from trauma or decay, to be repaired. Other reasons include:

A crowded mouth. Sometimes dentists pull teeth to prepare the mouth for orthodontia. The goal of orthodontia is to properly align the teeth, which may not be possible if your teeth are too big for your mouth. Likewise, if a tooth cannot break through the gum (erupt) because there is not room in the mouth for it, your dentist may recommend pulling it.

Infection. If tooth decay or damage extends to the pulp — the center of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels — bacteria in the mouth can enter the pulp, leading to infection. Often this can be corrected with root canal therapy (RCT), but if the infection is so severe that antibiotics or RCT do not cure it, extraction may be needed to prevent the spread of infection.

Risk of infection. If your immune system is compromised (for example, if you are receiving chemotherapy or are having an organ transplant), even the risk of infection in a particular tooth may be reason enough to pull the tooth.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease . If periodontal disease — an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth — have caused loosening of the teeth, it may be necessary to the pull the tooth or teeth.

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH TOOTH EXTRACTION

Before pulling the tooth, Dr. Jay will give you an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. If you are really nervous, he can prescribe you valium or halcion, so you don’t remember the procedure.

Once the tooth has been pulled, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. We will pack a gauze pad into the socket and have you bite down on it to help stop the bleeding. Sometimes Dr. Jay will place a few stitches — usually self-dissolving — to close the gum edges over the extraction site.

Sometimes, the blood clot in the socket breaks loose, exposing the bone in the socket. This is a painful condition called dry socket. If this happens, your dentist will likely place a sedative dressing over the socket for a few days to protect it as a new clot forms. But, don’t you worry. Dr. Jay will go through the post op instructions with you to minimize any complications.