3548 Davis Dr.

Morrisville, NC 27560-8819

(919) 388-0137

When Is An Extraction Necessary?

Preserving the natural teeth is always an important oral health goal, but there are times when a tooth extraction is necessary. When they are necessary, extractions can actually help maintain or improve your oral health by removing a problem tooth. A dentist can determine if an extraction is necessary in your situation. At Elite Smiles, Dr. Geetha Sripathi is your Morrisville, NC, dentist for tooth extractions.

Reasons for Extraction

There are many reasons why an extraction might be necessary in a particular situation. For instance, it can be beneficial to remove a toothToothache that is severely infected so the infection does not spread beyond the affected tooth and end up infecting other teeth. Dr. Sripathi, your Morrisville dentist, can determine if an infected tooth can be preserved or if it is best to extract it. Some situations when extraction might be necessary include:

  • A tooth that is severely infected
  • A tooth damaged by injury or other trauma
  • An impacted wisdom tooth that will not fully erupt
  • Teeth that are overcrowded and do not have enough space
  • Baby teeth that have not already fallen out by the normal age

Extraction Procedure

The procedure for extracting a problem tooth involves several steps. Typically, an x-ray will be taken beforehand, which the dentist reviews to determine if any adjustments are needed when extracting the tooth due to unusual positioning of the root. A local anesthesia is then applied to numb the area around the tooth to be pulled out. Patients might also receive a mild sedative to minimize discomfort and help them relax during the procedure. Once problem tooth is extracted, the gums will be stitched closed and usually take about one to two weeks to fully heal.

There are many reasons when an extraction is not only necessary, but also best for ensuring optimal oral health. To find out if an extraction is necessary in your situation, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sripathi, your Morrisville, NC, dentist, by calling Elite Smiles at (919) 388-0137.