Tooth Extraction (+Wisdom Tooth)
What is it?
Tooth extraction is the removal of teeth from the dental socket (alveolus) in the jaw bone. Removing visible teeth is a simple extraction. It is a relatively quick in-office procedure. Teeth that are broken, below the gum surface, or impacted may require a more complex surgical procedure, sometimes completed under intravenous sedation or a light general anaesthetic.
When to use it?
Tooth trauma, excessive tooth decay, severe periodontal disease and sometimes orthodontic treatment can lead to tooth extraction. Tooth extraction is sometimes necessary in orthodontic treatment to resolve crowding or bite problems. Extraction should be considered as a last resort for addressing a dental health issue, and consideration may need to be given to replacement with an implant or bridge.
Key information regarding tooth extraction
When a tooth is pulled out, it’s vital to replace it in order to preserve the functionality of your teeth and jaw.
Wisdom teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth are the third and last molars on each side of the upper and lower jaws. They are also the final teeth to erupt; usually appearing when a person is in their late teens or early twenties.
Wisdom teeth that only partially emerge or come in crooked can also lead to painful crowding and disease. Because teeth removed before age 20 have less developed roots and fewer complications, the Australian Dental Association recommends that people between ages 16 and 19 have their wisdom teeth evaluated to see if they need to be removed
If the wisdom teeth are impacted and embedded in the bone, the dentists will put an incision into the gums and remove the tooth or teeth in sections in order to minimise the amount of bone being removed.
