How is tooth extraction done? | Dental Treatment Guide


A dental extraction surgery involves the removal of at least one tooth that needs to be taken out because it has become damaged or diseased, and nothing can be done to save the tooth. It might be necessary to remove the tooth in order to prevent infection from spreading to other tooth and so helping to keep the rest of the teeth healthy.

Dental extractions can simply involve the forced removal of the tooth via forceps whilst under a local anaesthetic. Alternatively in more complex cases the extraction might require surgery under a general anaesthetic. This is often the case when the tooth is broken or the entire tooth is not visible in the mouth. The type of extraction will be determined by the x-ray that the dentist will take as this will show where the tooth is in relation to the sinuses and the nerves. It can also reveal if any infections or tumours have developed and how the extraction might affect other teeth or parts of the mouth. If it is necessary to undergo a general anaesthetic for the extraction then you will have to be nil by mouth in 6 to 8 hours before the surgery. In some cases it might be necessary to be put on a course of antibiotics if it is discovered that you have a dental infection, the surgery takes a long time or you have a medical condition that could interfere with the extraction.

Further Information about Teeth Extraction