While your dentist will normally aim to save and restore teeth, in some cases this is not possible or advisable Sometimes teeth may need to be removed to prevent discomfort, damage to other teeth or infection..
Extraction might be considered when:
• Extra teeth cause crowding in the mouth (as is often the case with wisdom teeth)
• A tooth is damaged by trauma or decay so much so that it cannot be restored
• Infection of the inside pulp of the tooth is so extensive that root canal treatment is not effective in stopping the spread of infection
• Your immune system is compromised (e.g. during chemotherapy) and there is a high risk of infection that could have serious negative health consequences
• You have advanced gum (periodontal) disease that’s caused teeth to become loose.
Depending on your individual needs, you may have teeth extracted in the dental surgery, where your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area from which the tooth will be removed, or in a hospital, where you will be under general anesthetic or IV sedation and not awake for the procedure.
Speak with your dentist about which option is most suitable for you.
