Dental Glossary

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A tooth may be extracted for many reasons. It may be too badly damaged, or decayed, to be saved by root canal therapy, or it could be causing crowding, malocclusion, preventing a tooth from erupting, or be loose from advanced periodontal disease.

Typically a local anesthetic is used to completely numb the area; however, if the patient is apprehensive, or young, the use of sedation or general anaesthesia may be considered. In a simple extraction, a dentist will grasp the tooth with forceps and use very controlled movements to loosen the tooth from its socket. When the tooth is extracted, a blood clot will form in the socket and within a few months will reform new bone to replace the void left by the extracted tooth.

If the tooth is not fully erupted, it may be necessary to first remove some of the overlying gum and bone tissue in order to create access. This is most common for wisdom teeth.

After the extraction, the initial healing period typically takes from one to two weeks, and some swelling and residual bleeding should be expected in the first 24 hours.

It is important not to dislodge the blood clot that forms in the wound. Occasionally, this clot can break down leaving what is known as a dry socket. This can cause temporary pain and discomfort that will subside as the socket heals through a secondary healing process.

Proper care of the area will affect the healing process. Smoking and allowing food particles to pack into the socket should be avoided; in addition, it is important to take any medication that the dentist prescribes. Eventually, new bone and gum tissue will grow into the gap left by the extraction.

Consequences of tooth Extraction Having a missing tooth can lead to several problems such as shifting teeth, difficulty chewing, and malocclusion (bad bite). It is possible to restore the area with an implant, fixed bridge, or a denture.


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