Good oral hygiene should always be practiced, since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still sometimes necessary occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. A tooth may need to be extracted for the following reasons:

• Severe decay
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Infection or abcess
• Orthodontic correction
• Malpositioned teeth
• Fractured teeth or roots
• Impacted teeth

After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialized oral surgeon.

For a simple extraction we will first apply a local anesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort. The tooth will be loosened with a tool called an elevator, and then removed with dental forceps. Once the procedure is complete the area may be closed with one or two stitches. We will then provide you with care instructions to alleviate discomfort and ensure proper healing.