• A tooth extraction may be necessary for many reasons, including severe damage or decay. One of the most common dental procedures, a tooth extraction can eliminate bacteria and improve your overall oral health.
• A tooth extraction is a dental procedure during which your tooth is completely removed from its socket.

When tooth extraction is recommended?
Healthcare providers prefer to save natural teeth whenever possible. However, sometimes, other restorative methods such as dental fillings or dental crowns are not enough. If the tooth isbeyond the point of repair, then removal may be necessary. Dentist may recommend tooth extraction if you have:
• Severe tooth decay
• A fractured tooth
• An impacted tooth
• Crowded teeth
• Severe gum disease
• Tooth luxation or other dental injuries.
• Who performs tooth extraction?
• Dentists and some dental specialists such as oral surgeons and periodontists can perform tooth extractions. While general dentists perform plenty of extractions, complex cases is usually referred to oral surgeons or periodontists.

Risks or complications of tooth extraction
Like any surgical procedure, tooth extraction carries a minor risk of complications. These may include:
• Post-surgical infection
• Dry socket
• Nerve injury
• Perforation of maxillary sinus
• Delayed healing

What are the side effects of removing a tooth?
Normal side effects following tooth extraction include bleeding, swelling and discomfort. Your dentist will provide instructions on how to manage the healing.

How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
It depends on the complexity of your case. However, most people feel back to normal in just a few days. While one will be able to return to routine activities within 48 to 72 hours, it usually takes the jawbone several weeks to heal completely. Therefore, if you are planning to replace the tooth with a dental implant, probably one needs to wait for a few months to allow for full recovery.