Tooth Extraction

Sometimes, our experts may determine that a tooth extraction is the only solution to control infection and restore your oral health. An extraction may be needed for several reasons such as severe decay, irreparable breakage, advanced gum disease, poor positioning of a tooth in the mouth, or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

Tooth Extraction Process

Our dentist begins with the administration of a local anesthetic to numb the gum, jawbone and tooth. As the tooth is pulled out of its socket, you may feel some pressure but you should not feel pain. Some teeth require sectioning prior to their removal. This might be done if a tooth is firmly attached to the socket, for a tooth that has a curved root, or an impacted tooth. It simply means that the tooth needs to be cut into sections that will be extracted individually.

Alternatives to Extracting a Tooth

A root canal treatment typically requires two visits to our office. First, the tooth is numbed by using local anesthesia. We will place a dental dam (a rubber sheet) around the tooth to keep it dry and to prevent the infection from spreading to the nearby tooth. Using dental instruments, a hole is drilled in the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The infected pulp, damaged nerve tissue and any decay is removed from the tooth, and then the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and sealed with dental filling material. A temporary crown is placed over the tooth to protect it from fracturing. At your next appointment, we will replace your temporary crown with a permanent one to restore the full structure and function of the tooth.

Post Extraction Care

We will also give you detailed instructions to help you care for your tooth. It is not uncommon to experience slight sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. This should go away once the tooth heals and the inflammation diminishes.

If you feel that you need a tooth extraction or would like to learn more about the procedure of extracting a tooth, please contact us to learn more and make an appointment.