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Tooth Extraction

If a damaged or decayed tooth is unable to be saved by other means, it may need to be extracted to protect the health of the remaining teeth inside the mouth.

Tooth Extraction Can Save Your Smile

When it comes to teeth, all dental professionals work hard at saving and preserving your teeth. Sometimes, a tooth is beyond saving by other means. When this happens, it’s recommended to extract the tooth to keep the rest of your teeth healthy. Dr. Curtis is highly experienced in tooth extraction and is happy to discuss tooth replacement options after your extraction so that you can maintain your oral health and smile. Our practice offers a variety of options for replacing an extracted tooth, such as implants, full-arch restorations, and other customized solutions.

Your consultation with Dr. Curtis will include a complete oral examination and assessment of your condition, where he will develop a personalized treatment plan. Please feel free to contact our office today and schedule a consultation.

The Tooth Extraction Process

General tooth extraction is often a simple outpatient procedure performed using local anesthesia. Our highly skilled staff is trained to make sure you are safe, comfortable, and well taken care of during your treatment. If you are feeling anxious about dental procedures, rest assured that there are a variety of anesthesia options to help you feel at ease and a team that feels honored to care for you and your loved ones.

During the procedure, you will be administered the selected choice of anesthesia. Local anesthesia is common for simple extractions, while general anesthesia is common for surgical extractions. If the tooth is visible above the gum line and able to be loosened, it will simply be removed with forceps by Dr. Curtis. For teeth that are below the gum line, or for more extensive extractions, Dr. Curtis will make a small incision in your gum. He may need to remove bone around your tooth or fragment the tooth before it can be extracted.

Our office will provide you with detailed pre- and post-operative instructions, which you should follow closely and carefully to ensure your procedure goes as smoothly as possible.

When is Tooth Extraction Recommended?

If other attempts have not been able to save a tooth, such as a crown, filling, or root canal, or if it threatens the health of the surrounding teeth, it is likely time for an extraction. You may be in need of a tooth extraction if you experience any of the following:

  • Tooth crowding
  • Impaction
  • Tooth damage that cannot be repaired
  • Restorative treatments that have failed
  • Advanced gum disease
  • Severe infection or tooth decay
  • A malformed tooth (rare)

If you think it’s time to consider tooth extraction, or have been referred to our office, please contact us to schedule a consultation. Feel free to visit our Tooth Replacement Options page for more information about the types of available solutions after you get a tooth extracted.