Oral Surgery

Tooth extractions are common dental procedures used to remove broken, damaged or other problem teeth. Dentists usually try to preserve natural teeth, although extraction is necessary. Although the procedure is performed in a dental office, it is considered surgery. Depending on which teeth are removed, they may be replaced with implants or other prosthetic work.

There are several reasons why you may need a tooth extraction.

The most common cause of tooth extractions is extensive tooth decay. However, many patients undergo extraction for impacted teeth – especially third molars. Other reasons for extraction include advanced periodontal disease, cracked teeth and teeth that are severely malformed. Although many cases requiring extraction are unavoidable, some could be avoided with regular visits to the dentist and proper cleaning in the office.

Frequent questions

Do I need tooth extraction?

Only your dentist can tell you if you need an extraction. However, you may be a candidate for the procedure if one or more of your teeth are so severely damaged that a filling or other restoration is not possible.

What should I expect during my tooth extraction appointment?

If you, Dimitrios Spiliopoulos or some of our clinic’s dentist decide to extract one or more teeth, you will be given a local anesthetic to avoid pain during the procedure and you may be prescribed pain medication to help manage pain in the hours following the extraction . Depending on the nature of your extraction and other factors, such as whether there are any health problems, antibiotic coverage may also be needed before or after surgery.

What kind of post-treatment care should I follow?

Postoperative care after tooth extraction is essential for healing and preventing complications. You will be instructed to avoid certain activities and habits in order to keep the operated area clean at all times. If you are given an antibiotic, it is important to finish taking it to avoid infection. Finally, smoking can delay the healing process and cause a painful condition known as “dry socket”.