How is a Tooth Extracted?

A tooth may need to be extracted for several different reasons. If the tooth has been damaged by decay or injury to the point that it can no longer be saved, then an extraction is necessary. Some patients need teeth extracted in order to create more room for orthodontic work. Many people have their wisdom teeth extracted, as it is common for them to be impacted or to crowd other teeth. If a tooth does need to be extracted, there are two ways it can be done.

The first way a tooth is extracted is through a simple extraction. This type of extraction is performed by our Los Angeles dentists when the tooth is clearly visible in the mouth. Localized anesthesia is administered before the extraction, with some patients requiring sedation. The tooth will first be loosened by a tool called an elevator. Once it is loosened, the tooth is pulled out using forceps.

The second way a tooth can be extracted is through a surgical extraction. This type of extraction is used when the tooth has not yet erupted or if it has broken off at the gumline. Localized anesthesia is used for this type of extraction as well, along with sedation. Some patients receive general anesthesia. The dentist will make an incision into the gum and may need to remove some of the surrounding bone. In some cases of surgical extraction, the tooth may need to be cut into pieces to be removed. Our expert in tooth extraction in Los Angeles will then use forceps to remove it.