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Everything You Need To Know About Tooth Extraction

In some cases, a tooth needs to be extracted due to decay or damage. In most cases if a tooth can be saved with restorative or cosmetic procedures, that is what the dentist will recommend. But for both adults and children, there are some cases where a dental extraction is necessary. In this article, we will cover why extractions are necessary and the extraction process. For more information please contact our office in Lewiston.

Reasons Your Child Might Need Their Baby Teeth Extracted:

One of the most common reasons for tooth extraction for a child is that there is an issue with their baby teeth. In most cases, it is always best to wait for the baby tooth to fall out naturally. However, there are some instances where an adult tooth will begin growing behind the baby tooth which can cause issues. Baby teeth are usually not extracted unless there is damage to the tooth or there is this issue with baby teeth preventing adult teeth from erupting correctly and in the proper place. 

Should I Be Concerned If My Child Has Two Rows Of Teeth?

Colloquially referred to as “shark teeth” there are some instances where a child’s adult tooth will arrive before the baby tooth falls out. One of the most important things every parent should know is that you should never try to force a baby tooth to fall out at home. You can encourage your child to try wiggling a loose baby tooth, but any other method for extracting the tooth should be handled by a dentist in a dental office. As for two rows of teeth, it is faily common and often not an issue. Usually if a second row of teeth comes in early, the baby tooth is close to falling out. However, if you are concerned about your child having two rows of teeth, or having baby teeth that are not loose, you should bring them to their dentist. 

Reasons An Adult May Need a Tooth Extracted:

Unlike children, adult tooth extraction is not done to make way for a new tooth. If a tooth is being removed the only replacement for that tooth would be in the form of an implant or bridge. The most common dental extraction for adults is the removal of wisdom teeth. Because most people do not have room for a third set of molars, these teeth are often removed to prevent infection caused by the teeth impacting into the roots of the other teeth. 


However, there are some instances where other teeth may need to be removed. The most common are issues with dental decay. The goal of every dentist is to make tooth removal the last option. When possible root canals, fillings, crowns, and other restorative dental procedures can be used to preserve a tooth that has experienced significant decay. But if a tooth is already loose due to decay or injury, it may need to be removed and replaced with either an implant or a dental bridge.

What Happens During Tooth Extraction?

There are two common methods for removing a tooth. A simple extraction involves numbing the area around the tooth and then loosening the tooth and removing it with dental forceps. However, in some cases a tooth has to be surgically removed, this is often the case for a wisdom tooth removal. If a tooth is broken off at the gum line or hasn’t erupted and needs to be removed surgery will be necessary. This process will involve anesthetics being used to fully numb the area, and a small incision is made in the gum line to remove the tooth. After this, the incision is stitched up and you may need to return later for the stitches to be removed. This type of extraction is much rarer and is usually only used for wisdom teeth. If you have questions about extraction please contact a your dentist. 

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