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

 

• Severe decay

• Advanced priodontal disease

• Infection or abscess

• Orthodontic correction

• Malpositioned teeth

• Fractured teeth or roots

• Impacted teeth

 

After careful examination and treatment, we may advise having a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, we 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 specialist called an oral surgeon.

 

A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which can be minimized with a pain killer and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever, call our office immediately.