Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. There are many reasons your dentist may recommend that an extraction be performed.

Reasons for tooth extraction:

When fracture or decay has damaged a tooth beyond repair.
When extra teeth block new teeth from erupting.
To make room for the other teeth to be moved in preparation for orthodontic treatment (braces).
When wisdom teeth become impacted, when their eruption will disturb neighboring teeth or when they become painful due to incomplete eruption or infection.
When severe gum disease threatens the supporting tissues and bone structure.
When decaying teeth present an infection risk.

Extractions range from simple to complex. When the tooth that needs to be removed is visible in the mouth, a simple extraction is called for. This can usually be performed with local anesthesia with or without anti-anxiety medication. At Dr Baratz we perform many simple extractions at our office.

When the tooth that needs to be removed is still under the gum or may require special expertise, a referral to an oral surgeon is indicated. The procedure is commonly performed under local anesthesia or conscious sedation. Occasionally, general anesthesia will be used—for example, when certain medical conditions are present.

Since most simple extractions do not cause much discomfort afterwards, an over-the-counter pain reliever is usually all that is needed. For pain control following surgical extractions, your oral surgeon may prescribe prescription pain medication. In most cases, post-surgical pain and discomfort subsides after a couple of days and full healing takes one to two weeks.

During your first visit, your dentist or oral surgeon will take x-rays and obtain a detailed medical history. Sometimes, antibiotics will be prescribed prior to the procedure. He or she will explain the reason for your extraction, the type of procedure required and what you can expect during and after the procedure.

During the second visit the extraction will be performed. The procedure will vary depending on the specifics of your case.

A follow-up visit may be scheduled to check on healing.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about tooth extractions or to schedule a consultation with Dr Baratz.

Back to services