A tooth extraction is the procedure done to remove a tooth that is damaged beyond repair from its socket in the jawbone. Extractions are also done to remove wisdom teeth that may be impacted or create future problems.
Many extractions can be performed in our office; however, more complicated procedures may be referred to one of our trusted oral surgeons.
Why Are Teeth Extracted?
- Severe decay
- Periodontal disease leading to bone loss
- Fractures that are impossible or impractical to repair
- Bad positioning (e.g. impacted wisdom teeth)
- Non-functional or poorly functional teeth that must be replaced with a bridge, denture, or implant
Extractions are generally classified as either non-surgical (also known as “simple”) or surgical (involving cutting through the gums and tooth). A simple procedure can quickly become a surgical procedure if the tooth fractures or refuses to loosen under pressure. We perform these procedures only after making the extraction site(s) profoundly numb.
Read our post-operative instructions for tooth extractions.