Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction Explained Step by Step

Everyone needs tooth extraction at some point in life. Gum diseases, decay or facial injuries damage our teeth, and sometimes it is possible to save or repair them. In other cases, tooth removal is the only way to prevent further damage. Usually, dental surgeons are the experts who can effectively and safely extract teeth, whereas they can also replace missing teeth with dental implants.

If your tooth is infected or badly damaged, or you feel it has to be removed, you need to schedule an appointment with the doctor and get the tooth extracted. Let’s find out what tooth extraction is, its types and the steps involved in the process.

What is Tooth Extraction?

When the dentist treats the dental problem, he makes every effort to save the tooth. Sometimes saving the tooth without risking damage to the surrounding structures or teeth is impossible. Severely infected teeth need to be removed to prevent any other problems.

In some cases, tooth extraction is considered the best way to eliminate any infection or damage, whereas it can also protect other teeth and gums. Dental crowding, gum disease, severe tooth decay and tooth injuries are common reasons the dentist must pull out a tooth.

Types of Tooth Extraction

A dental extraction is of two main types, i.e., simple and surgical.

  • Simple Tooth Extraction

The simple extraction process involves removing the visible teeth. The process is carried out using a local anaesthetic to numb the area and reduce pain. The dentist requires instruments to elevate the affected tooth and grasp the visible portion. A controlled force is used to remove the tooth through steady pressure. 

  • Surgical Tooth Extraction

One may go for surgical tooth extraction when accessing the tooth inside the mouth is difficult. In such a case, making an incision into the connective tissue to access the extraction site becomes essential. The surgical extraction also involves fragmenting the tooth into several pieces so that it can be removed.

Tooth Extraction Steps

Whether you are going for a simple tooth extraction or surgical tooth extraction, the following are the main steps you will go through when having your tooth extracted.

  • Numbing

Before removing the tooth, the dentist’s first step is numbing the tooth and any surrounding areas. This way, the patient doesn’t feel any pain throughout the process.

  • Extracting

In this step, the tooth is extracted from the socket. The dentist widens the socket by rocking the tooth back and forth. The idea is to separate the tooth from the associated ligament. In the next step, forceps are used by the dentist to grasp the tooth, and then it is pulled out of the socket.

  • Space Closing

After removing the tooth, the dentist has to close the space from where the tooth is extracted. Any infected tissue or loose bone is also removed. It is worth mentioning that the socket is compressed to return to its original size.

  • Final Step

If any sharp edges of the bone are found, the dentist rounds them off. The bleeding is minimised by applying firm pressure. If the tooth extraction is surgical, the removal side is stitched up to prevent infection.

Dental Extraction in Woden Valley, ACT, Australia

If you are searching for a reputable and trusted dental clinic for tooth extraction in Woden Valley, Garran Dental is your best choice. Our staff will be happy to address your doubts regarding tooth extraction. Our experts will ensure you get the best possible treatment for the desired results.

You can contact us here if you have any questions or plan to get oral surgery.

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Dr Shweta Goyal

Dr Shweta Goyal is the principal dentist of Garran Dental, which she founded in 2015. A family-focused dentist in Garran, she cares for patients of all ages with a gentle approach. Passionate about general and cosmetic dentistry, Dr Shweta Goyal loves helping children begin their dental journey positively and confidently.