Dental knowledge: extraction — surgical removal of a tooth

Tooth removal: when and how teeth are extracted.

In dentistry, extraction means removing a tooth without a larger incision being necessary. In an extraction the whole tooth is removed. Surgical removal may become necessary where the roots are brittle, where the neck of the tooth is destroyed or badly damaged, where the root is curved or angled, or where the whole tooth substance is badly damaged by caries. Displaced teeth lying partly or wholly beneath the gum are also removed surgically.

Extracting a tooth is a routine procedure that in most cases can be carried out under local anaesthetic, given as an infiltration or a block. Where the tooth lies awkwardly, where several teeth are to be removed, or at the patient's request, the procedure can also be carried out under general anaesthesia.

Answered briefly

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an extraction and surgical removal of a tooth?

Extraction means removing a tooth without a larger incision being necessary; the whole tooth is taken out in the process. Where that is not enough, because the tooth lies awkwardly or the root is curved for example, a surgical approach is taken.

In which cases does a tooth have to be removed surgically?

Surgical removal may become necessary where the roots are brittle, where the neck of the tooth is destroyed or badly damaged, where the root is curved or angled, or where the whole tooth substance is badly damaged by caries. Displaced teeth lying partly or wholly beneath the gum are also removed surgically.

Do I have to be afraid when a tooth is pulled?

Extracting a tooth is a routine procedure that in most cases can be carried out under local anaesthetic, given as an infiltration or a block. Where the tooth lies awkwardly, where several teeth are being removed or at the patient's request, the procedure can also take place under general anaesthesia.