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Johnson Oral Surgery

Extractions

Surgical Removal of Teeth

A dental extraction (also referred to as exodontia) is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to render the tooth non-restorable. Extractions of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth are routinely performed, as are extractions of some permanent teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.

Surgical extractions involve the removal of teeth that cannot be easily accessed, either because they have broken under the gum line or because they have not erupted fully. Surgical extractions almost always require an incision. In a surgical extraction the doctor may elevate the soft tissues covering the tooth and bone and may also remove some of the overlying and/or surrounding jawbone tissue with a drill or osteotome. Frequently, the tooth may be split into multiple pieces to facilitate its removal. Surgical extractions are usually performed under a general anaesthetic.

Many simple extractions can be performed by a general dentist. However, since an oral surgeon has special training, dentists will usually refer patients for the removal of damaged, impacted, or severely decayed teeth, including wisdom teeth. Patients who would be more comfortable receiving sedation or general anesthesia during surgical procedures are usually referred to an oral surgeon.