Teeth Extraction

Tooth extraction is a surgical procedure performed for a variety of reasons. Generally, our doctors will do all they can to save your natural teeth. The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health. To avoid these complications, our doctors will discuss alternatives to extractions as well replacement of the extracted tooth. However, there are many valid reasons why you and our doctors might decide a tooth extraction is necessary. Our surgeons remove teeth on a daily basis and can ensure the procedure is done efficiently and effectively. 

We will take an X-ray of your mouth to determine the exact location of the teeth that need to be removed. The surgeon will take into account the location relative to nerves, sinuses, and other teeth. They will also be able to determine if any infection is present. If so, your surgeon may ask you to take antibiotics for several days prior to the extraction. 

At the time of extraction, our oral surgeon will sedate you with one of the following:

• Local Anesthesia: The numbing of your mouth through injection.
• IV Sedation: The numbing of your mouth as well as a sedative injected through a vein to help you sleep or feel drowsy.
• General Anesthesia: Ensuring you will sleep soundly throughout the surgery by receiving drugs through a vein then breathing gas through a nasal tube.

Once sedated, the doctor may need to create an incision in your gums or bone to remove the teeth. You may feel a lot of pressure from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal. This pressure can be felt without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the pain-transmitting nerves, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not induced.

After removing, they will stitch the surgical incisions shut for quick healing, and may place gauze pads to absorb blood. Your stitches will dissolve within a week or two.