ORAL SURGERY

Extractions

To remove a damaged or decayed tooth

Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although our dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still some occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

Severe decay

Advanced periodontal disease

Infection or abscess

Orthodontic correction

Malpositioned teeth

Fractured teeth or roots

Impacted teeth

After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise you to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, he may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.

A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which can be minimized with a pain killer and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.