Tooth Extraction

Disease, trauma, and crowding are the primary reasons for tooth extraction. A badly decayed tooth may not have enough structure left to place a filling or even put on a crown. A bridge or dental implant may be a better solution, but your tooth will be to be extracted first.

A badly broken tooth may be splintered beyond repair. People who have small jaws and large teeth may have so much crowding that it affects tooth development, makes oral hygiene nearly impossible or changes the bite. Sometimes it’s necessary to remove a tooth to apply braces.

Local anesthesia is the first step to extracting a single tooth. If you need multiple or all teeth extracted, you’ll need a general anesthetic. These procedures are usually done in an outpatient surgery center or a hospital.

Once your tooth is numb, one of our dentists may need to cut the gum to access the tooth root. They’ll use a special tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth from its socket.

Finally, your dentist will grasp the tooth with a pair of forceps and levers it out of the socket. If necessary, the incision is closed with sutures.