Extractions are the surgical removal of a tooth. For certain procedures like implants, implant-supported dentures, or when you’ve suffered an injury and your tooth can’t be saved, your periodontist will suggest and schedule an extraction of the affected tooth or teeth.
For many patients who are suffering from these issues, extraction of the infected or injured tooth can relieve pain and help fight infection or disease. If you are having a tooth extracted to prepare for an implant or multiple implants, your periodontist will perform extra socket preservation to keep the bone health for the implant. Your periodontist will also give you specific instructions on how to care for your extraction to help prevent infection and increase how fast the gum tissue heals.
To begin, we will evaluate to determine if an extraction is the best option for you. Before an extraction, we will also get a fresh set of x-rays of the tooth, or teeth, that need to be extracted. These new x-rays will provide us with the correct information to help the extraction surgery go as smoothly as possible. During your procedure, you won’t feel a thing as we will use a numbing shot or local anesthetic to keep you comfortable and pain-free.
To begin the extraction, we will make an incision in the gums near the tooth. The incision will make a flap that exposes the bone and tooth. The tooth will then be extracted from the bone, and we will work to clean any debris from the remaining bone. Gauze will be placed over the extraction site to help the opening clot properly and promote healing. After the tooth is removed, you will be sent home with instructions for proper at-home care and cleaning, and you will be scheduled for a check-up and follow-up care.
For more information on extraction or to request an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.