What is tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is the removal of the tooth from its socket in the bone. If a tooth has been damaged from decay then your dentist will try to repair it with a crown, a filling, or other treatment. If a tooth has been broken then your dentist will try to repair it with a crown, a filling, or other treatment first. There are cases where there is too much damage or too much decay on the tooth. In this case, you may need to have your tooth extracted. Here are some of the other reasons why you may need tooth extraction

  • Sometimes people have extra teeth that prevent the other teeth from coming in
  • People who need braces may require teeth extraction in order to make room for movement
  • Those who are getting radiation to the head or to the neck may need to have some teeth in the field of radiation removed
  • People who receive cancer drugs may end up with infected teeth. The drugs will weaken the immune system and increase the risks of infections. If your teeth are infected then they have to be extracted as soon as possible
  • People who are getting an organ transplant may require teeth extraction if the teeth can become sources of infection after the transplant. People who have organ transplants have a high risk of infection because they must take drugs that will decrease and suppress the immune system
  • Wisdom teeth or third molars are usually extracted before or after they enter the mouth. They usually come in the late teens or in the early twenties. These teeth usually get stuck in the jaw, become impacted, and never erupt into the mouth. They need to be removed if they are decayed or if they cause pain. Wisdom teeth that are blocked by other teeth may not have enough room to come out completely so the gums may be irritated, you may experience pain, and there may be swelling. In such scenarios, you must have the tooth extracted

Related Articles

Digestive Diseases

Laser Eye Surgery