General Dentistry: Can a Dentist Perform a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction, or having a tooth pulled, is typically within the domain of dentistry practice. Though patients may be tempted to avoid this procedure at all costs, it is better to take care of teeth that need to be extracted sooner rather than later. Patients may be happy to know that tooth extraction can often be made more comfortable by an experienced dentist.

Reasons for tooth extraction in a dentistry practice

Not all reasons for tooth extraction are because of a tooth's ill health. In younger patients, a tooth may need to be removed because the teeth are becoming too crowded to fit in the patient's mouth. Extracting a tooth or two may make space for the surrounding teeth. Other reasons for tooth extraction in a dentistry practice can include the following:

• Extreme tooth decay: At times, there is too much decay for a tooth to be saved and it would not be practical to use a filling or a crown to fix the tooth. In this case, the dentist may recommend extraction as the only solution.
• Impaction: Usually, adult patients do not experience impacted teeth aside from the wisdom teeth. These last sets of molars in the back of the patient’s mouth are at high risk for becoming “stuck” in the gum tissue. When impaction happens, these teeth are unable to erupt. Wisdom teeth extraction is quite common among young adults.
• Gum disease: Gingivitis and periodontitis can be caused by the accumulation of tartar on the surface of the patient’s teeth. Gum disease can be severe in some cases, and for patients with swollen or infected gums and bone deterioration caused by gum disease, tooth extraction may be the last resort for preventing future problems in the area.
• Accidents or trauma: Trauma to the mouth can cause broken or damaged teeth that often cannot be saved. Extracting a tooth may save the mouth from a more severe infection that could later require more extensive treatment.

What to expect during a tooth extraction

Many teeth near the front of the mouth can be removed with forceps. If the extraction procedure is simple, it is often possible to go forward with this appointment on the same day as the patient's regular cleaning appointment. Molars may prove to be more difficult to extract, but if they have erupted, this extraction can still be an uncomplicated outpatient procedure.

After the extraction, the gum area will be tender and sensitive as it heals. It is important to follow the dentist's care instructions so that the area does not become infected. Dentists typically advise a soft diet until the patient is able to handle foods that are more difficult to chew.