Tooth Extractions

Dental Extractions

Dental extraction is the removal of teeth. While any tooth can be extracted, wisdom teeth are the most common, as they are at the highest risk of impaction (growing in at an angle). Also referred to as third molars, wisdom teeth are theorized to have helped our ancestors to grind plant tissue. Over time, as our diets changed and our jaws got progressively smaller, our mouths were without room for a third set of molars. In fact, it’s relatively common to be born without them.

Tooth extractions can be performed on one or more teeth at a time. They begin with either a local anesthetic, which numbs the area, or general anesthetic, which renders the patient unconscious during the operation. Gum tissue will be cut as necessary to expose the tooth, which is then moved back and forth until it can be removed. Sometimes a tightly impacted tooth will need to be broken into pieces prior to removal. Depending on the nature of the operation, sutures may be applied to close the area.

After the operation, it is important to follow all post-operation instructions to ensure your recovery is quick and easy.

If you believe you need a tooth extraction, contact Clifford Dental right away.

Extraction Site Preservation

It is important to consider what you would like to do with the empty space created by an extraction. Wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth, so their absence generally will not create any issues. For extractions on non-wisdom teeth, a bone graft may be necessary to maximize the best outcome for the patient. While this may sound scary at first, the truth is that bone grafting in the oral cavity today is routine. It is a predictable and painless procedure and allows the best chance for the bone to heal back so a replacement tooth will have something to attach to.

At Clifford Dental, we are happy to help you come up with a plan!