Tooth Extractions

What is a Tooth Extraction?

If your tooth is damaged or decayed and can’t be repaired with a filling or crown first, dentist may remove (extract of) the tooth as a last resort. When your tooth can’t be repaired, tooth removal may be the best option for you.

Why are Teeth Removed?

There are lots of reasons why you might need to have a tooth removed. For example, if you have:

• Severe tooth decay
• Gum disease (periodontal disease)
• A broken tooth that can’t be repaired
• An abscess (a collection of pus) on your gums or around your teeth
• Crowded teeth – when your teeth don’t have enough space in your jaw
• Impacted wisdom teeth – you can read more about this in our separate topic: Wisdom teeth removal

Replacing Removed Teeth

Once you’ve had a tooth extraction, your dentist will usually recommend you fill the gap where your tooth used to be. Gaps left by missing teeth can put a strain on neighbouring teeth, affect the way you bite and leave you more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Some of the treatment options available for replacing missing teeth are:

• Dental implants: A dental implant is a long-term, discreet solution for replacing missing or failing teeth. A dental implant itself is a titanium screw that’s placed directly into your jawbone, replacing the missing root of your tooth.
• Dental bridges: A dental bridge essentially bridges a gap in your mouth. A bridge replaces a missing tooth by using a false tooth that’s bonded to the natural teeth on either side of the gap.
• Dentures: Dentures are removable plastic or metal frameworks that carry single or multiple false teeth. They’re suitable for filling multiple gaps or if you have no teeth at all.