Tooth Extractions

Dr. West or Dr. Petersen may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Drs. West or Petersen will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

The Extraction Process

At the time of extraction Drs. West or Petersen will numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic. During the extraction process you will feel pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal. You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected. If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

Sectioning a Tooth

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. Drs. West or Petersen simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

 3 Tooth Replacement Options

  1. Implants – An implants is a post that is surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where the function as a sturdy anchor for a replacment tooth or teeth.
  2. Fixed Bridge – The 2 teeth on either side of the extracted tooth will be prepared, a temporary bride is made to wear while healing occurs, after healing the new bridge that covers the prepared teeth and the extracted teeth will be permanently cemented.
  3. Removable Partial Denture – A removable partial denture can be easily taken in and out of the mouth for cleaning. Patrial dentures have replacement teeth fixed to a plastic base that matches the color of your gums.