Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.
Sometimes, there’s too much damage for the tooth to be repaired. In this case, the tooth needs to be extracted. A very loose tooth also needs extraction if it can’t be saved due to severe bone loss. Teeth may be extracted for orthodontic treatment, in case of radiation therapy, supernumerary etc.
There are two types of extractions:
- A simple extraction– For a simple extraction, the dentist loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator or luxator. Then the dentist uses forceps to remove the tooth.
- A surgical extraction– This is a more complex procedure, which is used if a tooth may have broken off at the gum line or has not erupted completely in the mouth or does not have an easy access for removal. The oral surgeon or general dentist make a small incision into your gum, may need to section the tooth, to surgically remove the broken tooth or impacted wisdom tooth or other teeth.