Tooth extraction, also known as dental extraction or tooth removal, is a dental procedure in which a tooth is intentionally removed from its socket in the jawbone. This may be necessary for various reasons, including severe decay, irreparable damage, overcrowding, or to address issues with wisdom teeth. The extraction process involves the administration of local anesthesia to numb the affected area, followed by carefully loosening and removing the tooth using specialized dental instruments. At Lagos Periodontics & Dental Implants, Tooth extraction is performed to alleviate pain, prevent the spread of infection, or create space for orthodontic treatment, and it is often followed by post-operative care to facilitate proper healing.

Types of Tooth Extraction

Simple Extractions

Simple extractions are routine procedures performed on visible and easily accessible teeth. Typically, these are teeth that have fully erupted and are not impacted. The dentist in Palm Desert, CA, uses specialized instruments, such as elevators and forceps, to grasp and gently rock the tooth back and forth, loosening it from the surrounding ligaments and easing it out of the socket. Local anesthesia is usually administered to numb the area, ensuring the patient's comfort during the procedure. Simple extractions are common for removing decayed or damaged teeth or for orthodontic reasons.

Surgical Extractions

Surgical extractions are more complex procedures performed when a tooth is not easily accessible or is impacted, meaning it has not fully erupted or is trapped beneath the gum line. This type of extraction often involves making an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth. Sometimes, the tooth must be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. Surgical extractions are commonly performed for impacted wisdom teeth, severely broken or fractured teeth, or teeth with long or curved roots. Local anesthesia or conscious sedation is typically used to manage pain and anxiety during surgical extractions.

The Benefits of Tooth Extraction

• Extracting a severely decayed or damaged tooth can provide immediate relief from pain and discomfort, significantly when the tooth's nerve is affected.
• Extracting an infected tooth helps prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and the rest of the mouth. This is crucial for maintaining overall oral health.
• Tooth extraction is sometimes necessary to create space for orthodontic treatment, especially in cases of overcrowding or misalignment. This allows for the proper alignment of teeth during orthodontic procedures.
• Extraction in Palm Desert, CA, may be recommended in cases where a tooth poses a risk of spreading disease or infection to other parts of the body, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.
• Extracting a tooth affected by advanced gum disease can contribute to improved periodontal health, preventing the further progression of gum disease and potential tooth loss.

Removing a tooth at risk of causing complications, such as an abscess or cyst, helps prevent more serious oral health issues. For more information, visit Lagos Periodontics & Dental Implants at 36945 Cook St Building I suite 101, Palm Desert, CA 92211, or call (760) 568-3421.