Extractions

Sometimes a tooth cannot be saved. It is recommended to try to save them when possible. In cases where finances, prognosis, or inability to fix the tooth come into question extraction may be the answer. When one loses a tooth it can cause complications. Teeth behind it may drift over time and even tip. This can cause the spaces to be unfillable with crowns, bridges, dentures or implants. Teeth are also programmed to erupt until they find a partner tooth on the other jaw. So when you remove a tooth the opposite tooth could move up into the space of the lost one. The more teeth you lose the more pressure you will have on the remaining ones. Over time this can make the wear and tear process accelerate. Due to these risks it is recommended to fill areas where teeth have been lost with an implant, bridge, or partial denture. There are exceptions to this such as wisdom teeth and others that your dentist will discuss with you if you are in this situation.  Sometimes the shape or other problems can make an extraction difficult. The most common problem is a curved root that acts like a hook and will resist removal and could break itself or the bone during removal. Some individuals have extremely hard bone. Some teeth have very little or nothing to grab hold of when trying to extract. Such complicated situations could call for a surgical extraction. This is where a dental drill is used to cut the tooth into sections or cut the bone around the tooth in order to make it release and come out.

There are some teeth that need extraction where a referral to an oral surgeon is needed. Many of these teeth have the possibility of surgical extraction or other complicating factors. One of the common ones is an upper tooth that has a root in or near the maxillary sinus. Extraction can lead to an opening between the sinus and mouth which an oral surgeon would have to fix. Another is when a lower tooth has its roots touching or very close to the inferior alveolar nerve. These situations could lead to nerve damage and is best done with the specialist.

When surgical extractions are done or even simple ones in very hard bone, tiny bone fragments may work their way out over time. It is recommended to see your dentist and have them remove these fragments. Bleeding can be a serious complication post extraction. There will be some bleeding but if it is not clotting one can put pressure on the wound again for another hour or more and see if it stops. Your dentist should be contacted. A wet black tea bag can also be used over the wound. With pressure it can help stop bleeding. Go to the emergency room if there is a lot of bleeding and it becomes an emergency.