Boise Tooth Extractions

The process of tooth extraction is quite simple. A basic extraction typically takes about 5 minutes. The process begins by cleaning and numbing the extraction site. Once the area is completely numb, Dr. Jeremy Brown will use a special tool called a “dental elevator” to begin wiggling and loosening the tooth in its socket. After the tooth has been carefully removed, the area will be cleaned, disinfected, and sutured shut, completing the procedure.

The most common reason for tooth extraction is the eruption of wisdom teeth. Many people do not have room in their mouths for wisdom teeth to grow, so removal is often recommended once they begin to cause pain, which usually occurs between the ages of 17-25. You may also need a tooth extracted if you have a damaged or infected tooth that cannot be saved with a restorative treatment. The tooth will need to be removed and replaced with a partial denture, dental bridge, or dental implant. Extractions may sometimes be necessary for orthodontic reasons, too. If your teeth are too close together, for example, you may need to have some extracted before your smile is corrected with braces and orthodontics.

Your wisdom teeth are your last set of rear molars. Unlike your other permanent teeth, which have usually all emerged by the age of 13, your wisdom teeth don’t start to erupt until much later, often between the ages of 17-25.

The problem with this is that many people don’t have enough space in their mouths to accommodate this last set of molars. This is particularly true of those who have had orthodontic treatment like braces. When the wisdom teeth start to erupt, they can cause your teeth to shift or even fail to emerge properly, becoming “impacted” and causing pain, discomfort, and infection.

This is why most people opt to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, not everyone needs their wisdom teeth to be extracted. Pain and headaches are often tell-tale signs that wisdom teeth are becoming an issue. But to find out if your wisdom teeth need to come out, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Jeremy Brown of Boise Dental Arts.