Dental extractions occur when a tooth or teeth that have become severely damaged, infected or loosened need to be removed.
To remove a tooth, local anesthetic is placed to numb the area around the tooth. Anesthetic helps to prevent pain during the extraction surgery procedure. In some cases, after the tooth is removed, stitches may be needed. Bleeding is common for a short while after the surgery; gently biting down on a cotton gauze pad may help to slow or stop the bleeding.
The removed tooth can be replaced with an implant, bridge or a denture.