Extractions

Sometimes, removing a tooth is unavoidable.  Teeth may need to be  extracted because of severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other reasons include poor positioning in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), baby teeth that have not fallen out on their own and are prohibiting the proper eruption of the adult tooth, or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of even a single permanent tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health. To avoid these complications, Dr. Dina will discuss options for replacement of the extracted tooth.

The Extraction Process

Each tooth root sits in a ‘socket’ and is held in place by a ligament that attaches the root to the bone.  To remove a tooth, your dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament. Contrary to popular belief, removing a tooth requires a lot of pressure by pushing on and rocking it, not ‘pulling’, so that it pops out like a cork in a bottle!  

Sometimes it’s necessary and easier to section a tooth for removal, especially if it has multiple roots or curved roots.  The dentist simply cuts the tooth into single-rooted segments and removes one at a time.  This greatly reduces the time you spend in the treatment chair!