Tooth Extraction

Adult teeth are meant to last for the remainder of our lives. However, situations like dental trauma, infection, or disease may cause irreparable damage to a tooth, leaving extraction the only option. Dr. Salin, Dr. Weiner, Dr. Semanoff, Dr. Nack, and Dr. Kosakowski perform quick and comfortable tooth extractions to relieve you from tooth pain and improve your oral health. Contact our office in Feasterville, Newtown, or Abington, PA, if you need a tooth extracted or wish to explore your tooth replacement options.

Why Tooth Extraction Is Necessary

As dental experts, we make every effort to save your natural teeth. Root canal therapy, fillings, and crowns can repair teeth in many instances. When a tooth is badly broken or decayed, however, it may be beyond the point of saving. Extracting these teeth protects the health of other teeth by preventing infection from spreading. Tooth extraction also relieves tooth pain immediately if the damage or infection is causing discomfort.

Other reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted includes:

• Impacted teeth. When a canine tooth is impacted, or stuck beneath the gums, we will try to guide it into the dental arch. If it cannot erupt, we can extract the tooth and replace it with a dental implant.
• Wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are unnecessary for oral function and should be extracted to prevent pain, infection, misalignment, and other oral health problems.
• Too many teeth. If you are about to start orthodontic treatment, like braces, tooth extraction may be recommended if there are too many teeth in the dental arch.
• Tooth decay. Root canal therapy can effectively treat tooth decay, but if the infection is severe, extraction is necessary to keep the infection from spreading.
• Potential for infection. Patients with a compromised immune system, such as those with HIV or undergoing chemotherapy, may be at higher risk for developing a tooth infection, and extracting a tooth can be performed as a preventative measure.
• Periodontal disease. Gum disease destroys the bones and tissues that support teeth, causing them to become loose. If the disease is not treated, the loosened teeth may fall out or require extraction.
• Pre-prosthetic surgery. If you are receiving dentures, tooth extraction may be necessary to ensure the prosthesis fits properly.

What to Expect When Having a Tooth Extracted

Prior to having a tooth extracted, you will meet with one of our board-certified oral surgeons who will examine your oral health. We may take 3D scans of your mouth to evaluate your facial structures and detect any hidden issues. In some cases, we can perform tooth extraction on the same day as the consultation.

As oral surgery experts, we offer a variety of anesthesia and sedation options for your comfort. Many patients only require local anesthesia for tooth extraction, which is administered through a syringe and numbs the area.

Your surgeon will use forceps to gently extract the tooth. You may feel some pressure, but the anesthesia will numb the area to prevent you from feeling pain. After the tooth is removed, we will place gauze in your mouth and provide you with instructions to manage swelling, bleeding, and oral hygiene while your mouth heals.

If you are receiving a same-day dental implant, we will insert the implant immediately following extraction. Same-day implants prevent you from having to go without a tooth and eliminate the need for a second surgical visit to insert the implant. As long as there is sufficient jaw bone to support the implant, you likely qualify for a same-day implant. During your first visit, we will discuss your tooth replacement options to see if dental implants are right for your smile.

Tooth Replacement Options After Extraction

After having a tooth removed, there are several options to consider for restoring the tooth. We will outline all of these options with you and help you select the right choice for your oral health.

• Dental Implants. Dental implants are the most natural-looking option and function just like a natural tooth. They are inserted into the jaw bone and become a fixed part of your smile, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without removable appliances. Teeth roots stimulate the jaw bone to keep it healthy and when a tooth root is missing, the jaw bone will deteriorate over time. Dental implants fuse to the jaw bone, preventing bone loss.
• Dentures or Bridges. Removable dentures or bridges are a fast way to replace teeth and do not require surgery. They rest on the bony ridge in the mouth and restore the appearance of missing teeth, but do not restore oral function. Many patients who wear dentures dislike having to take them out during meals and brushing. Dentures do not fuse to the jaw bone, which leave you susceptible to bone loss.
• Socket Preservation. Socket preservation is a type of bone grafting treatment that involves filling the empty tooth socket with grafting material. This preserves the size and shape of the socket and helps protect against jaw bone atrophy, which can occur due to tooth loss. Socket preservation also makes future implant placement easier.
• No Replacement. Teeth roots keep the jaw bone healthy and not replacing the tooth could leave you susceptible to jaw bone atrophy. Existing teeth may shift into the open space, throwing off the alignment of your entire smile. Although you do not have to replace a missing tooth, we recommend exploring your options to maintain positive oral health and protect your other teeth.