Extractions

Tooth Extraction

The removal of a broken or decayed tooth from the socket in the bone. When too much damage prevents repair, the tooth must be removed. This is the most common reason for extracting a tooth.

Some other reasons include:

• Some people have extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in.

• People getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for the teeth that are being moved into place.

• Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are often extracted either before or after they come in. These teeth often get stuck in the jaw (impacted) and do not come in. They need to be removed if they are decayed or cause pain. Some wisdom teeth are blocked by other teeth or may not have enough room to come in completely. This can irritate the gum, causing pain and swelling. In this case, the tooth must be removed.