Extractions

While we prefer that you keep your natural teeth when possible, we understand that an extraction is sometimes the best or only option for a tooth. When that happens, we’ll make sure your extraction procedure is calm, comfortable, and pain free.

We extract teeth in our office for many different reasons:

  • Your tooth is decayed so severely that we can’t repair it.
  • You have a broken tooth, such as a fractured root, that can’t be restored.
  • Periodontal disease (gum disease) has advanced to the point that your tooth is loose and has no bone left to support it.
  • You have a broken or decayed tooth that can be restored but you opt to have it extracted after we discuss with you the alternatives to extraction.

Numerous dental problems can result from removing even a single tooth, which you can read about here: Missing Teeth: Yes, It’s a Serious Matter.

For most patients, depending on your particular needs or situation, we’ll recommend replacing the extracted tooth with a bridge, implant, partial, or complete denture.

For patients who have a tooth that can be restored, having it extracted may seem less expensive in the short term compared to other options we present to you. Long term, however, extraction may not be the least expensive course to take due to the need to replace your missing tooth.

mouth with an extracted tooth spaceOther reasons we would recommend extraction that do not present a problem by leaving a space:

  • Wisdom teeth that are fully or partially erupted or impacted in bone
  • Crowded teeth that require removal in order to wear braces

In these situations, the space left by the extracted tooth does not cause the issues discussed above.

Oral Surgeon Specialists

For impacted or partially impacted wisdom teeth or for teeth with roots that extend deep into your sinus cavity, we will most likely refer you to an oral surgeon.

Oral surgeons specialize in bone and jaw surgery and in repairing the delicate tissue that forms your sinus cavity. They’re also equipped with hospital-like facilities for general anesthesia in the event you prefer to be completely asleep during surgery.

After Surgery Care

Carefully following our post-operative instructions after having a tooth extracted is critical to your complete and successful recovery.

You can read our post-op instructions here: Extraction Post-Op.