One of the goals in preventative dentistry is to reduce the need for tooth extraction. However there are reasons teeth will need to be removed. We will frequently advise patients to have their wisdom teeth removed either due to impaction, lack of space, or poor positioning. Teeth may also need to be removed due to severe cavities, periodontal disease, cracking, or crowding. If we advise a tooth to be removed we will often take care of it in our office. Occasionally we may refer a patient to an oral surgeon also, especially for difficult wisdom teeth removal or when a patient wants to be completely sedated for the treatment.

To remove a tooth we start with adequately numbing the area. Once sufficiently numb we gently expand the bone that encircles the tooth. This process will be felt as a lot of “pressure” despite being numb but should not be sore or painful. For teeth with multiple roots, severely curved roots, or are very broken down we may need to “section” the tooth which involves drilling around the bone that supports the tooth. If we need to do that we will let you know prior to starting. After a tooth is removed we may place a bone graft to aid with healing or sutures to help close the tissue around the space. We will provide you with thorough post operative instructions and pain medication if needed.