At Advanced Dental Solutions Inc, tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone in your jaw. Most teeth are removed because they are severely decayed or have become loose from their sockets. At Advanced Dental Solutions Inc, when our dentist recommends tooth extraction, it’s typically a preventive measure to protect your oral health from serious problems in the future. If your tooth is causing pain that can’t be managed with root canal therapy or a filling, it may be best to have a tooth extraction to prevent the spread of infection and relieve your pain. 

Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction

• Extraction may be recommended to prevent further damage and infection when a tooth is extensively decayed and cannot be restored with fillings, root canal treatment, or other dental procedures. 
• If a tooth becomes infected and the infection cannot be effectively treated with antibiotics or root canal therapy, extraction may be necessary to eliminate the source of the infection. 
• Advanced gum disease can cause tooth loosening and damage surrounding tissues and bone. In some cases, extraction may be necessary to remove severely affected teeth and prevent the spread of infection. 
• In orthodontic treatment, tooth extractions may be performed to create space in the jaw for proper teeth alignment. This can help address overcrowding and facilitate orthodontic correction. 
• Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often lack the space to emerge or develop fully. They can become impacted within the jawbone or beneath the gum tissue, causing pain, infection, and other oral health issues. Extraction of impacted wisdom teeth may be recommended in such cases. 

The Tooth Extraction Procedure

The dentist will numb your gums, jawbone, and surrounding tissues with a local anesthetic to help reduce discomfort during your extraction. Once you are comfortable, the dentist will use forceps or similar tools to grasp the tooth and gently rock it back and forth until it loosens. Sometimes a tooth may be too firmly rooted in the gums to be pulled free and broken into pieces first. If this is the case for you, your dentist will be prepared with the necessary instruments to perform the procedure safely. Once the tooth is free from the gums, it will be removed from the socket. It is common for there to be some bleeding in the socket after removal, which is completely normal. A gauze or cotton balls can be placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help the area clot and heal faster. Your dentist will give you instructions on what to do and expect after your extraction is complete. Follow your dentist’s instructions closely to ensure the best possible healing. 

Extractions are often performed with the help of local anesthesia so the patient can remain comfortable during the procedure. Visit Advanced Dental Solutions Inc at 615 E. 82nd Ave Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99518, or call (907) 562-1686 for the best dental care tailored to your unique needs.