Tooth Extractions

Optimize Oral Health & Reduce Discomfort

When teeth are damaged due to decay, trauma, or disease, they may damage adjacent teeth and cause pain. A tooth extraction can alleviate pain and protect other teeth from damage. Dr. Davis, our esteemed oral surgeon, harnesses his decades of experience to diagnose and assess your situation and determine whether a tooth extraction is needed.

At Shawn B. Davis, DMD, Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, we are committed to giving patients access to the care they need to foster better oral health. Tooth extractions are an excellent option for patients who have damaged teeth and experience discomfort or pain. To take a step toward better, pain-free oral health, contact us to schedule a consultation.

When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

When a tooth is severely damaged as a result of dental trauma or tooth decay, a tooth extraction may protect teeth and reduce or eliminate any associated pain. If tooth decay cannot be treated through a root canal or fillings, it may necessitate an extraction. Tooth extractions may also be necessary if teeth are overcrowded, particularly if this crowding hinders alignment or impedes on progress for orthodontic treatment. One common form of tooth extraction is wisdom teeth extraction; these teeth are extracted due to a lack of space for teeth to erupt correctly.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

After you schedule your first consultation, Dr. Davis will examine your oral health and determine which anesthesia option is more appropriate for your situation. If the extraction appears to be straightforward, local anesthesia is typically sufficient. If the extraction appears to be more complex, or the patient experiences dental anxiety, they may receive general anesthesia to ensure the most comfortable experience.

The anesthesia will take effect quickly; once it does, your doctor will begin the extraction by carefully removing the tooth. This process is done with care so as not to damage any surrounding teeth or tissues. Once the extraction is complete, the site will be cleaned and you will be given postoperative instructions to guide you through the recovery process.

Recovery After Tooth Extraction

Following your extraction, you can expect a straightforward recovery so long as you adhere to the postoperative instructions given to you. It is essential that the extraction site remain clean to prevent infection. These instructions will also guide you through managing any pain, should it be present. You may take pain medication to ease discomfort.

Tooth Replacement Options After Extraction

After a tooth extraction, it is important to consider tooth replacement options to maintain proper oral function and prevent future complications. Dr. Davis will discuss your options with you during your consultation.

Dental Implants

After a tooth extraction, dental implants are often chosen as a tooth replacement option because they mimic the look, function, and feel of natural teeth. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone and fuses with the bone to act as a tooth root and create a stable foundation for a crown. Because the implants are in the jawbone, they stimulate it, strengthening it to prevent bone loss and preserve facial structure.

Immediate Dental Implants

Same-day dental implants may be placed immediately following a tooth extraction. A temporary crown is placed on the implant to maintain consistency in your smile as the implant fuses with the bone, saving time and money by having two procedures done in one session.

Socket Preservation

Following your extraction, you may opt to have a dental implant placed at a future date. If this is the case, we recommend a socket preservation to maintain the size and shape of the tooth socket to combat bone loss. The socket is filled with bone grafting material to keep the socket’s integrity and reduce the risk of teeth shifting, protecting the socket and ensuring a stable foundation for a tooth replacement.

No Replacement

Without a tooth replacement following an extraction, jawbone atrophy—bone loss—may occur as a consequence if the jaw is not stimulated by a tooth. Issues with your bite or misalignment may also occur. It is highly recommended to consult with Dr. Davis to determine which tooth replacement option is most appropriate for your case.