Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction is necessary when the tooth is severely damaged or decayed past the point of repair where root canal therapy will not be able to save the tooth.

During the tooth extraction, a tool called luxator will be used to loosen the ligaments and gum tissue around the tooth. Then an elevator will be used to lift the tooth and then a forcep will be used to actually remove the tooth out of the socket. In more complex cases, incisions will have to be made on the gums to access the tooth and the tooth may need to be broken up into smaller pieces for removal. In some cases, a dental bone graft will be placed in the socket to help prevent bone loss and facilitate the healing process.

Risks or complications of tooth extraction:
Just like any surgical procedures, tooth extraction does carry risk of complications which include:

• Dry socket- a condition where a blood clot doesn’t form or is dislodged after tooth removal. Without the clot, the bone and nerve is exposed causing severe pain
• Nerve injury
• Perforation of maxillary sinus
• Post-surgical infection
• Delayed healing