Tooth extraction is considered when preserving a tooth is inappropriate or impossible. Extensive tissue loss, untreatable fracture, certain infections or reasons associated with other treatments may contribute to the decision. Options for preservation and the need for extraction are assessed first.
Before treatment, general health, medicines and the relationship of the tooth to nearby anatomical structures are examined. Necessary imaging helps planning. Blood thinners or other medicines must not be stopped independently; any required changes are coordinated with the relevant physicians.
Extraction may be simple or surgical, depending on the tooth. Local anaesthesia is generally used. Some teeth require opening the gum, removing limited bone or sectioning the tooth. Procedure duration and healing are not the same for everyone.
Pain, swelling or temporary bleeding may occur afterwards. Instructions on protecting the area, diet and oral care depend on the procedure. Persistent heavy bleeding, increasing swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing or breathing require reassessment. Replacing the missing tooth is addressed in a separate treatment plan.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the back of the dental arch. They may erupt fully or partially, or remain impacted. Cleaning difficulty, recurrent gum inflammation, decay or problems with an adjacent tooth may prompt extraction assessment.
Not every wisdom tooth is extracted solely because of age. Tooth health, surrounding tissues and follow-up findings are assessed together. Imaging examines relationships with structures such as the nerve canal in the lower jaw or the sinus in the upper jaw. More detailed imaging is considered when clinically necessary.
The method may be simple extraction or surgery according to tooth position. For some lower wisdom teeth with roots very close to a nerve, removing only the crown may be considered in suitable cases. This option is not appropriate for every tooth and requires separate planning.
Temporary pain, swelling or difficulty opening the mouth may occur afterwards. Nerve involvement and other complications are discussed according to the relationship with surrounding structures. Healing and reviews are explained individually; an entirely painless or risk-free procedure cannot be guaranteed.
Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth has not erupted into its expected position or become fully visible in the mouth. Part may be visible, or the tooth may remain beneath bone and gum. Wisdom teeth are common examples, but other teeth can also be impacted.
Assessment examines position, relationships with adjacent teeth and surrounding tissues. Imaging helps show the relationships between roots and important anatomical structures. An absence of pain does not by itself mean no intervention is needed, just as impaction does not mean every tooth must be extracted.
Surgery may be considered for recurrent infection, decay, damage to an adjacent tooth or disease in surrounding tissues. Orthodontic and surgical planning may be combined to bring some impacted teeth into the mouth. Monitoring may be appropriate in selected cases without problems.
Extraction or monitoring is chosen by comparing procedure risks with possible consequences of leaving the tooth. Close relationships with nerves or other structures affect the plan. Review intervals and the method are determined individually.