Extractions

Extraction is simply the removal of one or more teeth. Although we usually make every effort to keep the natural tooth, sometimes severe damage leaves no other option but tooth extraction. Often there is infection present, such as an abscessed tooth. Certain heart patients or others who have a hard time fighting infection may be prescribed antibiotics to be taken before and after the procedure to reduce the chance of bacteria spreading through the bloodstream. Some options for the replacement of extracted teeth are implants, dentures, or a permanent or removable bridge.

After an extraction, stitches are sometimes needed. The recovery period is usually only a few days.

Wisdom Teeth, or Third Molars.

Wisdom teeth are the third and final group of molars to emerge, and they usually appear in a person's late teens or early to mid-twenties. If you're lucky and they erupt in a healthy, properly aligned state, they may serve you well. However, they are often misaligned or entrapped—either partially or completely—below the gums, causing problems which necessitate their removal.

Wisdom teeth will often begin to emerge at the wrong angle, impinging on and damaging neighboring teeth, nerves or the jaw. If they fail to emerge from beneath the gum, or erupt only partially, they are said to be "impacted." Bacteria may enter the site of a partially erupted wisdom tooth, causing pain, swelling, decay, gum disease, or other problems.

Wisdom tooth removal is usually easier at a younger age, before the roots fully develop. Some wisdom tooth extractions are relatively simple, but if one or more wisdom teeth are impacted, extraction can be more complicated. Depending on your procedure, there are a number of different sedatives that may be used, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), an oral sedative (Valium), or an intravenous sedative. In most cases, patients will need someone to drive them to and from their appointment.

Recovery for Tooth Extraction Patients.

We will thoroughly instruct you in all the details of post-surgical care and recovery. Patients are also encouraged to call and ask any of our highly-trained and caring team members for help with any questions or concerns you may have during the healing process.

See also Implant Information >>