There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a
baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that
prevent it from falling out as it should,
and the tooth must be removed to make way
for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other
times, a tooth may have so much decay that
it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at
risk of decay, so your doctor may recommend
removal and replacement with a bridge or
implant. Infection, orthodontic correction,
or problems with a wisdom tooth can also
require removal of a tooth.
The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a "tooth
socket," and your tooth is held in that
socket by a ligament. In order to extract a
tooth, your dentist must expand the socket
and separate the tooth from the ligament
holding it in place. While this procedure is
typically very quick, it is important to
share with your doctor any concerns or
preferences for sedation.