Dental Extractions

Why do I need dental extractions?

When restoration procedures such as root canal therapy, crowns, or fillings are not enough to save a tooth, it may need to be extracted. Reasons for having to extract one or more teeth may vary from severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, cyst formation, broken teeth that cannot be repaired to poor position in the mouth (such as impacted teeth) or preparation for orthodontic treatment.

What happens during dental extraction surgery?

On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling and to avoid infection. In some cases, dental extractions can be performed under sedation. These options will be discussed with you at your consultation visit, before the procedure is performed. The procedure itself can take between 15 to 60 minutes, depending on how many teeth need to be removed. Modern medicine as well as sterilization and infection control techniques allow patients to undergo dental extractions so as to promote rapid healing and minimize post-operative discomfort.

What happens after I remove one (or many) of my teeth?

It is important to plan for the replacement of one or more missing teeth.  In most cases, your oral surgeon will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth  to avoid both functional and esthetic problems.