Tooth extractions are used if a tooth has been broken or damaged but are too far-gone for a filling or crown. A tooth can also need to be pulled if extra teeth block others from coming in, baby teeth have not fallen out, or an abscess has infected the tooth. Severe gum disease, which is caused by built up bacteria on your teeth, damages the bone and can cause teeth to become loose. In most cases the tooth will need to be removed.

Third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are often taken out before or after they come in. They are removed if they are decayed, cause pain, have a cyst or infection, or do not come in and cause irritation to the gum. Facial swelling, infections, pain in the back of the mouth, or gum swelling can be true telling signs that a patients wisdom teeth should come out.

Patients should note that there will be some bleeding and may need stitches after the procedure. Patients also should not rinse out the mouth for the first few hours after the extraction. A blood clot needs to take form and this could disturb that from happening.