Extraction – Removal of teeth

Tooth Extractions

We urge patients to practice good oral hygiene all the time since the loss of even a single tooth can harm your oral health and your appearance. Although we will use every measure available to prevent tooth loss, under some circumstances there is no alternative to extracting a tooth. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

Severe decay
Advanced periodontal disease
Infection or abscess
Orthodontic correction
Malpositioned teeth
Fractured teeth or roots
Impacted teeth

Only after careful examination and treatment would we advise you to have a tooth extracted. Before that happens, we will take an x-ray to study the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of complexity of the extraction, our office may refer you to an oral surgeon for the procedure.

Unfortunately, you should expect a certain amount of pain and discomfort following an extraction. We can minimize that by prescribing pain medication for you, and you can apply ice packs to your face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within just a couple of days. It is important to contact us immediately if the pain becomes severe or prolonged, or if you have swelling, bleeding or fever.