
If your dentist confirms that a tooth requires extraction, the procedure could happen on the day or your visit, or you can schedule another time to have your tooth removed. Beneath your gums, your teeth have roots that attach to a “tooth socket”. In your jawbone, a ligament keeps your tooth firmly rooted in its socket. To remove your tooth, your dentist will first enlarge the tooth socket. Once the socket is expanded, your dentist can sever the ligament from the tooth it secures. Removing a tooth is normally a swift procedure. Discuss your options for sedation with your dentist.
When a tooth is extracted, the hole left by the extracted tooth may tempt nearby teeth to shift. This shifting can affect the way you chew food and the function of your jaw joint. Your dentist might suggest a replacement tooth to fill the gap, relieving your concerns of shifting.