Tooth Extraction at a Glance
Tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures performed globally and Nairobi is no exception. Deans Dental Implants is at the front line when it come to providing quality and effective dental treatments. Do you have a bothersome tooth that troubles you? Leave it to our dental experts to take away that challenge from you. We have now brought teeth extraction service near you. While it might sound intimidating, modern techniques and skilled dental professionals at our facility make the process safe, relatively quick, and effective.
What is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Dentists perform this procedure when a tooth is beyond repair or poses a threat to oral health.
There are two main types of extractions:
- Simple extraction – Removal of visible teeth that are not severely damaged or impacted. Performed using local anaesthesia and dental forceps.
- Surgical extraction – Used for impacted, broken, or partially erupted teeth. This involves an incision in the gum and possibly bone removal. Often performed by an oral surgeon.
Aesthetic Benefits of Tooth Extraction
- Improved alignment of the teeth in many individuals, especially those with naturally small jaws or overcrowded mouths. Teeth may erupt misaligned, overlap, or protrude. In such cases, selective tooth extraction—often of premolars—is used in combination with braces or clear aligners to create the necessary space for straightening the remaining teeth.
- Enhancing the facial profile and symmetry. In orthodontics, tooth extractions can be part of a strategic plan to address overbites, underbites, or protruding teeth. By removing certain teeth and allowing the jaw and remaining teeth to reposition correctly, the overall structure of the face can improve.
- Improving the appearance of the gums and smile line. Crowded teeth can cause gum recession or irregular gum contours, which may make the smile look uneven or unhealthy. By creating space and facilitating proper alignment, extraction can help achieve a more consistent gum line and reveal more of each tooth’s surface, resulting in a cleaner, more attractive smile.
Health Benefits of Tooth Extraction
- Elimination of infection or disease. When a tooth becomes severely decayed or infected and cannot be saved through root canal therapy or other restorative procedures, extracting it can prevent the infection from spreading to adjacent teeth, gums, or even the bloodstream.
- Reliefs of pain and discomfort. Teeth that are damaged, cracked, or impacted can cause chronic or acute pain, often accompanied by inflammation and difficulty chewing or speaking. Removing the problematic tooth alleviates this pain, allowing the surrounding tissues to heal and improving your quality of life.
- Improving gum and bone health. Teeth that are loose due to advanced periodontal disease can harbour bacteria that worsen the condition of the gums and underlying bone. Extracting these teeth can halt further deterioration, allowing for the possibility of gum healing.
Lifestyle Benefits of Tooth Extraction
- Improvement in sleep and rest quality. Dental pain often intensifies at night due to changes in blood flow and the horizontal position of the body, which can keep you awake or cause frequent interruptions in sleep. Chronic dental issues can also trigger headaches or jaw pain that carry over into daily life. By removing the source of pain or pressure, tooth extraction often helps restore a healthier sleep pattern and reduces fatigue.
- Boost in self-confidence and social comfort. Teeth that are visibly decayed, broken, or severely misaligned can lead to embarrassment, causing individuals to hide their smiles or avoid social situations. Extracting a problematic tooth—especially when followed by restorative treatment like a bridge, implant, or denture—can significantly improve one’s willingness to smile, speak, or engage with others without anxiety or self-consciousness.
Why Would You Need Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction can be done to enhance your appearance, as a preparatory step for other dental procedures or to prevent further infection from an affected tooth. Some of the reasons why it can be done are:
Advanced Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
In its later stages, periodontitis causes the gums to recede, the bone around the teeth to deteriorate, and the teeth to become loose. When supportive structures can no longer hold the tooth in place, and other treatments like scaling have failed, extraction may be necessary to preserve the health of adjacent teeth and reduce chronic inflammation or infection in the mouth.
Risk factors for gum disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Chronic illnesses like diabetes
Tooth crowding
When a patient’s mouth is too small to accommodate all the teeth properly, it may lead to misalignment, overlapping, or bite issues. Strategic extractions, often of premolars, can create the space necessary for the orthodontist to move the remaining teeth into their ideal positions, resulting in a healthier and more symmetrical smile.
Trauma or Injury
Tooth trauma or injury can result from a car accident, sports injury, or a fall, etc. While dentists aim to save injured teeth whenever possible, severe damage to the root or surrounding bone may make extraction necessary, particularly if the tooth is mobile or non-restorable.
Prevention strategies:
- Wearing mouthguards during sports
- Avoiding using teeth as tools (e.g., opening bottles)
- Seeking prompt treatment for any dental injuries
Non-functional or poorly positioned teeth
The presence of such teeth serves no purpose or interfere with other dental structures. This can include extra teeth (supernumerary teeth), retained baby teeth, or teeth that have drifted due to past extractions or bone loss. These may contribute to bite problems, interfere with speech or chewing, or disrupt prosthetic treatments such as dentures or implants.
Severe tooth decay
When decay has penetrated deep into the tooth—beyond what a filling, crown, or root canal can repair—it can destroy the structural integrity of the tooth or cause irreversible damage to the pulp and surrounding tissues. In such cases, extraction is the safest and most effective way to eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading further.
Impacted teeth
Impacted teeth fail to erupt properly due to lack of space, poor angulation, or obstruction by other teeth. They often remain partially or fully trapped under the gum and can cause pain, crowding, cyst formation, or damage to neighbouring teeth. Even if asymptomatic, many impacted teeth are removed proactively to prevent future complications or to facilitate orthodontic treatment.
Risks and complications to watch for
While extractions are generally safe, some complications may occur:
- Dry socket – A painful condition where the blood clot dislodges, exposing the bone. Treated with medicated dressings.
- Infection – Look for signs like pus, swelling, or fever.
- Nerve injury – Rare, but possible when extracting lower wisdom teeth.
- Prolonged bleeding – Usually controlled with gauze or medication.
Always follow up with your dentist if you notice unusual pain, swelling, or discharge.
What to expect before the extraction
Before extracting a tooth, our dentist will:
- Take dental X-rays to assess the tooth’s root and surrounding bone.
- Review your medical history to rule out any risks, especially if you’re taking blood thinners, have diabetes, or a heart condition.
- Discuss anaesthesia options: Local anaesthesia for simple extractions, or sedation/general anaesthesia for complex cases.
- Discus with you the post-extraction care practices to maintain after the procedure ,
Tooth Extraction Procedure
There are two types of tooth extraction, each with its own unique procedure. Our dental experts at Deans Dental Implants have years of experience in performing both of these procedures.
Simple Extraction
- The dentist numbs the area with a local anaesthetic.
- A tool called an elevator loosens the tooth.
- Forceps are then used to gently remove the tooth.
- Gauze is placed to control bleeding, and post-op instructions are given.
Surgical Extraction
- Performed by a general dentist or oral surgeon.
- After numbing or sedation, an incision is made in the gum.
- Sometimes, the tooth is sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal.
- The area is cleaned, and sutures (stitches) may be applied.
Tooth extraction is typically not painful during the procedure itself because local anaesthesia is used to numb the area completely. You may feel pressure or movement, but not sharp pain. After the extraction, it’s normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding. These symptoms usually subside within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or any prescribed medications.
Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction and the individual’s health. For a simple extraction, most people feel significantly better within 2 to 3 days and are fully healed in about 1 to 2 weeks. Surgical extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth, may require a longer healing period—up to 3 to 4 weeks for complete tissue recovery.
Yes, but it’s important to be cautious about what and how you eat, especially in the first 24–48 hours. Stick to soft, cool, or lukewarm foods like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, soup, or smoothies (without using a straw). Avoid hard, spicy, hot, or crunchy foods that could irritate the site or dislodge the blood clot.
In many cases, especially with permanent teeth, replacement is recommended to restore function, maintain bite alignment, and preserve the jawbone. Options include dental implants, dental bridges, or removable dentures. However, not all extractions require replacement—wisdom teeth and certain orthodontic extractions may not need to be replaced.
At Dean’s Implants, we are committed to helping you overcome any challenges you may face on your implant journey. With the right plan and support, almost anyone can enjoy the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile. Talk to us today to find out how we can help you achieve your dental goals!