Tooth extraction involves having one or more teeth completely removed from your mouth by a dentist. This can be done at one appointment or over a few sessions (if more than one tooth needs to be taken out). You may or may not want, or need to have the teeth replaced. Your dentist will explain all the options available to you.
There are a number of reasons why your teeth may need to be extracted. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Severe gum disease (periodontal disease) - when bacteria build up on your teeth and damage the bone that holds them in place, the teeth may become loose
- Tooth decay - if a tooth is very rotten, its nerves and blood vessels can die, leading to a painful abscess
- A broken tooth that can't be repaired
- Wisdom tooth problems. If there isn't enough space in your mouth for your wisdom teeth they may become impacted (stuck behind the tooth in front) and need to be removed.