Note: This article is for general information purposes and does not replace individual dental advice.

Many people are afraid of having a tooth extracted. Patients often report having experienced pain during tooth extractions at previous dental visits. At our dental practice in Düsseldorf city centre, we place particular emphasis on thorough patient information and comfortable treatment. If a tooth does need to be extracted, we use local anaesthesia as well as various options to help you relax. Afterwards, the gap can be closed with a modern dental implant, so the missing tooth goes unnoticed. The actual procedure is often completed within a few minutes.

Reasons for extracting a tooth

There are many reasons why extracting a tooth is sometimes necessary. Once the tooth has been removed and the wound has healed, patients often feel considerably better. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Tooth decay or damage to the tooth: If a tooth has been severely damaged by decay or trauma, it may need to be extracted.
A crowded mouth: In some cases, teeth are extracted to prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment, particularly when the teeth are too large for the mouth or when a tooth cannot break through the gum because there is no room for it. Wisdom teeth are a typical example.
Infection: An infection can sometimes penetrate the dental pulp. If it cannot be treated with antibiotics or root canal treatment, removal of the tooth may be necessary. This is the only way to contain the spread of the infection.
Risk of infection: In people with a weakened immune system, for example during chemotherapy or after an organ transplant, even the risk of infection in a particular tooth can be reason enough to extract it.
Periodontal (gum) disease: If an infection of the tissues and bone that surround and support the teeth causes the teeth to become loose, it may be necessary to extract the tooth or teeth.

The tooth extraction procedure

Before beginning a tooth extraction, the dentist Dr. Pantas carries out a thorough examination of the affected tooth and the surrounding gum. This also includes a consultation on dental implants if you would like the tooth being removed to be replaced. X-rays are taken to check the bone level and determine the extent of the damage. The treatment and sedation options, as well as your concerns and wishes, are then discussed with you in detail.

During the actual extraction, the affected tooth and the surrounding gum are numbed with a local anaesthetic. Your dentist will then gently loosen the tooth and carefully lift it out of its socket. Sometimes incisions have to be made in the gum to gain access to the tooth, particularly if it is badly decayed or has broken off at gum level. Once the tooth has been removed, the socket is cleaned and disinfected. If you decide to have a dental implant, it is placed 2–3 weeks after the extraction.

Frequently asked questions about tooth extraction

Why is a tooth extracted?

Tooth extractions are carried out for a variety of reasons. A very common one is a tooth that has been too badly damaged by trauma or decay to be repaired.

How long should you avoid dairy products after a tooth extraction?

The reason dairy products should be avoided for 2–3 days after a tooth extraction is the lactic acid bacteria they contain. These bacteria are generally harmless, but in an open wound they can cause inflammation and thereby jeopardise the healing process.

How long does a tooth extraction take?

For your dentist in Düsseldorf, the procedure can be completed within a few minutes if the tooth is easy to reach. In a more complicated case, however, where the tooth is difficult to access, the extraction can take up to an hour.

When does the blood clot come away after a tooth extraction?

Slight bleeding from the wound for up to 24 hours after the extraction is completely normal. The blood clot that then forms is the basis for wound healing. After around 8 to 10 days, healing should be complete and the edges of the wound largely closed.