Tooth Extractions

The definition of tooth extraction is the removal of the entire tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Tooth extraction is normally performed because of injury or disease unless it is done to make room in the jaw for movement of other teeth (such as before braces are applied).

No one likes the thought of having a tooth pulled. It sounds scary, but it shouldn’t be. Sometimes, just knowing what is going to happen ahead of time makes the process less frightening.

Foremost, a small pinch while administering the anesthetic should be the only true discomfort felt. The anesthetic will numb the entire area around the tooth being extracted. You will be able to hear sounds and feel pressure during the procedure, but you should feel no pain. Any other discomfort should be reported immediately so that more anesthesia can be administered.

After the area is totally numb, the tooth will be rocked gently back and forth. Ideally, the tooth will come out in one piece, but it doesn’t always happen so easily. If the tooth breaks apart, it will have to be removed a piece at a time.

Permanent teeth are supposed to last a lifetime, but it isn’t always possible. Infection, injuries, tooth decay, overcrowding of the teeth, baby teeth that don’t fall out as they should, or wisdom teeth that do not come in correctly can require an extraction.

Dr. Alvarez and his staff strive to make extractions as pain-free as possible.