Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is carefully removed from its socket in the jawbone. While dental professionals always aim to preserve your natural teeth through restorative treatments like fillings, root canals, and crowns, extraction becomes necessary when a tooth is severely damaged, infected, decayed beyond repair, or causing oral health problems. The procedure is done under anesthesia to ensure minimal discomfort and safe recovery.
When Is Tooth Extraction Needed?
A tooth may need to be extracted for several reasons:
Simple extraction is performed when a tooth is fully visible above the gum line and can be accessed easily. After numbing the area with local anesthesia, the dentist uses elevators and forceps to gently loosen and remove the tooth. Recovery is usually quick with minimal discomfort.
Surgical extraction is needed when the tooth is not easily accessible — for example, if it hasn’t erupted fully, is broken at the gum line, or is impacted. This procedure may involve a small incision in the gum, removal of bone, or sectioning of the tooth for easier removal.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last set of adult teeth to emerge, usually between ages 17 and 25. Because they erupt later and often don’t have enough room, they can become impacted or grow at odd angles, leading to pain and dental problems.
• The area is numbed using local anesthesia or sedation.
• A small cut is made in the gum if the tooth is impacted.
• Bone may be removed if needed to access the tooth.
• The tooth is gently extracted, sometimes in pieces.
• The area is cleaned and stitched if required.
• Aftercare instructions are given for smooth healing.
The dentist examines your mouth and uses X-rays to assess the tooth’s position and plan the best extraction method
Local anesthesia is applied so you remain comfortable. For surgical cases, sedation may be offered.
The dentist gently loosens and removes the tooth with specialized instruments. For complex or impacted wisdom teeth, minor surgical steps may be performed.
Once the tooth is removed, the site may be stitched and a gauze pad placed to help form a protective blood clot.
• Relieves pain and infection from a problematic tooth – Removing the wisdom tooth eliminates ongoing pain, swelling, and recurring infections caused by impaction or decay.
• Prevents spread of decay and gum disease – Extraction stops bacteria from spreading to nearby teeth and gums, reducing the risk of cavities and periodontal issues.
• Stops pressure and damage to nearby teeth – Impacted wisdom teeth can push against adjacent teeth, causing damage, crowding, or root problems, which removal helps prevent.
• Creates space for orthodontic alignment – Removing wisdom teeth helps maintain proper tooth alignment and supports successful orthodontic treatment.
• Improves overall oral health and hygiene – With hard-to-clean areas removed, maintaining good oral hygiene becomes easier, leading to healthier gums and teeth.
Local anesthesia ensures the procedure is comfortable. Most patients feel pressure but not pain during the extraction. Mild soreness afterward is common.
Initial healing typically takes 3–5 days, though complete healing may take several weeks depending on the complexity of the extraction.
Simple wisdom tooth extractions may be quick, while surgical removal of impacted teeth can take longer due to additional steps like incision and bone removal.
Dry socket refers to a painful condition where the protective blood clot at the extraction site is lost, exposing bone. It can delay healing and cause pain but is treatable with dental care.
In many cases, options like immediate implants or temporary dentures can be placed soon after extraction to preserve function and appearance.