Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

Extractions

An extraction is a relatively simple dental procedure. There are several reasons why you may need a tooth extracted. Wisdom teeth are commonly recommended for extraction due to lack of space in the mouth for full eruption and causing crowding among other teeth. At times extractions are performed in conjunction with orthodontics to make space for the realigning of teeth. Between the ages of 15 to 25 years, most people’s third molars begin to erupt through the gum line at the very back of their mouths. Since few people’s jaws can accommodate these large third molars, we typically examine our 11 and 12-year-old patients to predict the upcoming developmental positioning of the wisdom teeth, recommending extraction prior to 17 to 19 years of age.

Why can’t I just leave my wisdom teeth if they don’t bother me?

Sometimes wisdom teeth only partially erupt leaving an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general illness can result. Waiting until you have pain or the beginning of an infection can make the extraction more complicated. Leaving a poorly aligned wisdom tooth can damage adjacent teeth and on occasion, a cyst (fluid-filled sac) forms, destroying surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots. It is important to have your wisdom teeth checked and follow Dr. Michaelson’s recommendations to avoid any potential problems.

I have a toothache. Should I have an extraction?

It is always best to save your natural teeth when possible. When a tooth is infected it can often times be treated with root canal therapy and remain in the mouth. Extracting teeth that are functional should be a last resort and should be eventually replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or removable appliance.

What happens to the surrounding teeth when I have an extraction?

Teeth are always moving and rely on adjacent and opposing teeth to keep them in position. When you remove a tooth the surrounding teeth move, supraerupt, and tip over time causing a condition called malocclusion. Teeth that are not in an ideal position cannot function correctly and are more susceptible to cavities and gum disease.

The images above are examples of how teeth move and open spaces, tip into the open space, and grow down (supraerupt) into a space. Eventually malocclusion can lead to other dental complications and interfere with ability to eat properly. If you have to have a functional tooth removed a dental implant or dental bridge may be an option to fully restore the bite in the area of the missing tooth.