Candidates for Single Tooth Extraction
There are several situations that can make you a good candidate for single tooth extraction:
- Crowded Teeth/Orthodontia: The goal of orthodontia is to properly align the teeth, which may not be possible if your teeth are overly crowded. Also, if a tooth cannot erupt because there is no room in the mouth, your dentist may recommend extracting it.
- Malpositioned/Nonfunctioning Teeth: To avoid a potentially negative impact on your oral health in the future, your dentist may recommend removing teeth that are misaligned or that have no opposing teeth to bite against.
- Severe Tooth Damage/Trauma: Some teeth may be so broken or cracked that repair is not feasible, a condition which can result from facial trauma.
- Infection: If tooth decay or damage extends to the center of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels, bacteria in the mouth can enter the pulp, leading to infection. Often, this condition can be corrected with root canal therapy (RCT), but if the infection is too severe, extraction may be needed to prevent the spread of infection.
- Periodontal Disease: Advanced periodontal (gum) disease – an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth – may have caused loosening of the teeth to such an extent that tooth extraction is the best solution.
If you are planning to have a tooth extracted, you have come to the right place. Our expertise in oral and maxillofacial surgery, complemented by our state-of-the-art operating rooms, will provide you with a safe, comfortable environment to undergo your procedure. All of our doctors are hospital-trained in general anesthesia, and can administer intravenous (IV) sedation so you can relax throughout your treatment.
Risks & Benefits
Performed by a trained specialist, most tooth extractions do not result in long-term complications. Like any oral surgery, extraction carries a low risk of potential complications including:
- "Dry socket," or a painful exposure of bone when the post-surgical blood clot becomes dislodged from the socket
- Infection from bacteria or trapped food particles in the socket
- Damage to the sinuses during upper wisdom teeth removal
- Weakening of the lower jawbone
- Nerve injury
It is important to remember that if an extraction is recommended, your doctor believes that the benefits to your oral and general health outweigh the risks of leaving your condition untreated. In addition to correcting the underlying problem, tooth extraction carries a number of additional benefits. After your procedure, you can benefit from relieved pain associated with your condition, improved ability to eat and speak, and prevention of further oral health problems like the loss of more teeth.
Restoration Options
Unless you are undergoing wisdom tooth removal, your dentist will likely advise replacing any extracted teeth to avoid possible complications, such as shifting of surrounding teeth, gum recession, and bone loss. Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth restoration. Implants help with bone retention and implant-supported restorations look and function just like natural teeth. Implants can support a single tooth as well as partial and full dentures.
Contact Us
We value your comfort, relaxation, and time, and provide our patients with the very best care possible. To learn more about single tooth extraction, schedule an appointment with our compassionate, long-standing staff today.