Tooth Extractions
You and Dr. Kim, Dr. Wahan, Dr. Brady or Dr. Altmann may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
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, in most cases, Drs. Kim, Wahan, Brady or Altmann will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.
The Tooth Extraction Process
At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.
During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.
You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.
If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.
Sectioning a Tooth
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What Our Patients’ Say
FAQs
How do I know if I actually need a tooth extraction?
A tooth extraction may be recommended if a tooth is badly damaged by decay, infection, or trauma and cannot be repaired. In some cases, teeth that are impacted, poorly positioned, or causing crowding may also need to be removed. The best way to know for sure is through an in-person evaluation, where imaging and a full exam help determine whether extraction is the right step.
Is a tooth extraction painful?
The area being treated is numbed with local anesthetic, so pain is not expected during the procedure. You may still feel pressure while the tooth is being loosened and removed, which is normal. If you feel discomfort at any point, you can let the surgical team know right away so adjustments can be made.
What does it mean when a tooth needs to be “sectioned”?
Sometimes a tooth is too firmly anchored or the surrounding bone is too dense for the tooth to be removed in one piece. In those cases, the tooth is carefully divided into sections and removed a little at a time. This is a common technique and can help make the extraction smoother and more controlled.
What happens after my tooth is removed?
After the tooth is removed, the area is allowed to clot naturally as part of the healing process. You will receive instructions on how to care for the extraction site and what to watch for as it heals. Following these instructions helps support proper recovery and reduces the risk of complications.
Are there alternatives to having a tooth extracted?
In some situations, alternatives to extraction may be discussed, depending on the condition of the tooth and your overall dental health. If a tooth cannot be saved, the surgical team will also talk with you about replacement options so you understand what comes next and can plan appropriately.
What does the tooth extraction process involve?
During a tooth extraction, the surgeon gently loosens the tooth by moving it back and forth to widen the socket before removing it. This allows the tooth to come out with minimal stress to the surrounding bone and tissue. The approach used depends on how the tooth is positioned and how firmly it is anchored.