Teeth extraction refers to the process of removing a tooth from its socket in the bone. It can be done for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Tooth decay that is too extensive to repair.
- Gum disease that causes a tooth to become loose.
- Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth that don’t fully emerge or grow at odd angles.
- Crowding where there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth.
- Infection that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
- Orthodontic purposes for alignment.
The procedure can be performed by a dentist or an oral surgeon, depending on the complexity. There are two main types of extractions:
- Simple extraction – For a tooth that is visible and easily accessible.
- Surgical extraction – For a tooth that has broken off below the gum line or is impacted.
After the extraction, proper care is needed to ensure healing, such as avoiding certain foods, not smoking, and following the dentist’s instructions for pain management and aftercare.
