Tooth Extractions

Although permanent teeth are meant to last forever, situations like infection, dental trauma, or disease can leave an adult tooth unrepairable. Having a problematic tooth extracted can immediately alleviate tooth pain and prevent infection from spreading to nearby teeth and gums. In some cases, we can perform tooth extraction on the same day as the consultation.

At Akeso Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery, we make the tooth extraction process quick and comfortable. Our surgeons are qualified to administer all forms of anesthesia and will also explore your tooth replacement options to restore the tooth. If you have a tooth that’s causing a lot of pain or may require extraction due to decay or trauma, contact our office in Columbia, Catonsville, Lutherville, or Westminster, MD, to schedule a consultation.

The Tooth Extraction Process

Prior to extracting a tooth, we will take 3D scans of your mouth to view the underlying structures surrounding the tooth. We offer many types of anesthesia and will help you select the right choice for your tooth extraction. Most extractions are performed using local anesthesia, which numbs only the surgical area, although there are other options available, such as laughing gas, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. To help you prepare for your procedure and recovery, we provide instructions to follow that outline how to care for your surgical sites, prevent dry socket, reduce post-surgical swelling, and more.

Simple Tooth Extraction

A simple tooth extraction is performed when extracting a tooth that has fully erupted through the gums. Your surgeon will use forceps to grip and loosen the tooth, then gently extract it. Sometimes a tool called a dental elevator is used to expand the socket and help lift the tooth.

Surgical Tooth Extraction

A surgical tooth extraction is performed when a tooth is partially or fully trapped beneath the gums. Wisdom teeth, for example, can become impacted because there is not room for them in the dental arch. To surgically extract a tooth, your surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue. If the tooth is large, it may be broken into smaller pieces to make extraction easier.

Tooth Replacement Options After Extraction

Having a tooth extracted can feel stressful, but there are many options available to restore your smile. We will walk you through these options prior to extraction and help you make the right choice for your oral health and restoration goals.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is the most natural-looking tooth replacement option. The implant post is surgically inserted into the jaw bone, which replicates a tooth root and provides stimulation to the jaw bone to keep it healthy. Once healed, your dental implant will look and feel just like a natural tooth. There are no dietary restrictions or special care routines necessary, giving you the freedom to enjoy eating and speaking with confidence in your smile. If you have a healthy jaw, you may qualify for same-day dental implants, which are placed immediately following tooth extraction. Same-day implants eliminate the need for a second surgical procedure, reducing your overall treatment time.

Dentures or Bridges

Removable dentures or dental bridges restore the appearance and some functionality of missing teeth while helping to preserve the alignment of existing teeth. These options rely on existing teeth for support, which can cause wear and tear on your healthy teeth. You must take out removable dentures when eating or brushing and use special care to clean around the metal framework of fixed bridges. Although there is no surgical procedure necessary to receive dentures or bridges, they do not prevent jaw bone loss, which can lead to extensive bone repair treatment down the road.

Bone Grafting

Socket preservation is a type of bone grafting treatment that involves filling the empty tooth socket with a bone graft material. Socket preservation protects the alveolar ridge, or the bone that surrounds the roots of teeth, from deterioration and preserves the size and shape of the tooth socket. This makes future implant placement easier and is an excellent option for patients who plan on replacing the tooth with a dental implant in the future.

No Replacement

If you choose not to replace a missing tooth, the jaw bone will slowly deteriorate in that area due to a lack of stimulation. Nearby teeth can shift into the open space, causing the rest of your teeth to become misaligned. As the jaw bone deteriorates, facial features may begin to sag, causing you to appear older than you actually are. Not having a complete smile may cause you to feel self-conscious about your teeth, which can negatively affect the way you eat or speak around others. If you do not choose to replace a missing tooth right away, we are happy to explain your options for future restoration so that you can restore your smile and improve your oral health.

Tooth Extractions in Columbia, Catonsville, Lutherville, and Westminster, MD

Our oral surgery experts regularly performtooth extractions for patients of all ages. We will walk you through every step of your care, making sure you feel informed and comfortable about your treatment. If you have a tooth that may need to be extracted, or if your general dentist has referred you for a tooth extraction, contact us in Columbia, Catonsville, Lutherville, and Westminster, MD, to schedule your consultation.