About extractions
Sometimes a tooth is too damaged by decay, infection, or trauma to be saved. Sometimes a wisdom tooth is impacted and causing problems. In those cases, a planned extraction is the right move for your long-term oral health.
Modern extractions are done under local anesthetic and are typically much faster and more comfortable than patients expect. For more complex cases we offer sedation options.
Just as important, we discuss replacement options at the same visit. Leaving a gap in your bite can cause neighboring teeth to shift and bone in the jaw to shrink. Implants, bridges, and partial dentures are all on the table — and we will tell you honestly which option fits your situation best.
When you might need this
If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time to schedule a visit. Only a doctor can diagnose your specific situation, but these are common reasons patients come in for extractions.
A tooth too damaged to be saved
Severe decay or fracture below the gumline sometimes leaves no tooth structure to restore.
An infected tooth that has not responded to root canal
Rarely, infection persists despite root canal treatment. Extraction is then the right move to protect surrounding bone.
Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth that are coming in sideways, crowding other teeth, or causing pain are typical extraction cases.
Severe gum disease has loosened a tooth
When advanced periodontal disease has destroyed the bone supporting a tooth, removal is sometimes the only option.
Orthodontic treatment requires it
Some orthodontic plans require selective extractions to make room for the remaining teeth to align properly.
Trauma has cracked a tooth at the root
A vertical root fracture cannot be repaired and the tooth typically needs to come out.
Your visit, step by step
- 01
Imaging and planning
A digital x-ray or 3D scan confirms the position of the tooth and any nearby anatomy we need to be careful around.
- 02
Comfortable numbing
Local anesthetic numbs the tooth and surrounding tissue. Sedation is available if you prefer.
- 03
Gentle removal
Modern instruments and technique allow most extractions to be quick and atraumatic. Surgical extractions of impacted teeth take longer but are still done under local.
- 04
Site preservation if planned
For patients planning an implant, we can place a small bone graft at the extraction site to preserve bone for the future implant.
- 05
Aftercare instructions
You leave with clear written instructions, gauze, and our number for any questions in the days after.
- 06
Replacement plan
Before you leave we have already discussed what comes next — implant, bridge, partial — so the gap does not cause new problems.
Why patients choose us for this
3D CBCT planning
For impacted or complex teeth, our 3D imaging lets us plan around nerves and adjacent roots to the millimeter.
Calm, sedation if needed
We offer mild sedation options for patients who would prefer to be more relaxed during the visit.
Site preservation grafting
Bone-preserving grafts at the extraction site keep your future implant options open.
Replacement discussion same day
You leave with a plan, not just a gap. Implants, bridges, and partials are all explained before you walk out.