Oral Surgery (Mouth Surgery)

 

Teeth Extractions

A dental extraction (also referred to as exodontia) is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, including

  • Severe tooth decay or infection (acute or chronic alveolar abscess)
  •  Extra teeth which are blocking other teeth from coming in.
  • Severe gum disease which may affect the supporting tissues and bone structures of teeth.
  • In preparation for orthodontic treatment (braces)
  • Fractured teeth
  • Prosthetics; teeth detrimental to the fit or appearance of dentures
  • Cosmetic; teeth of poor appearance, unsuitable for restoration
  • Radiation treatment to the head and neck may require extraction of teeth in the field of radiation.
  • Insufficient space for wisdom teeth (impacted third molars).

 

Extractions are often categorized as “simple” or “surgical”.

Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth, usually under local anesthetic, and require only the use of instruments to elevate and/or grasp the visible portion of the tooth. Typically the tooth is lifted using an elevator, and using dental forceps, rocked back and forth until the Periodontal ligament has been sufficiently broken and the supporting alveolar bone has been adequately widened to make the tooth loose enough to remove. Typically, when teeth are removed with forceps, slow, steady pressure is applied with controlled force.

Surgical extractions involve the removal of teeth that cannot be easily accessed, either because they have broken under the gum line or because they have not erupted fully. Surgical extractions almost always require an incision. In a surgical extraction the doctor may elevate the soft tissues covering the tooth and bone and may also remove some of the overlying and/or surrounding jawbone tissue with a drill or osteotome. Frequently, the tooth may be split into multiple pieces to facilitate its removal. Surgical extractions are usually performed under a general anesthetic.

We perform most simple extractions and will refer you to an Oral Surgeon if a surgical extraction is required.