Tooth Extractions

The thought of losing a tooth can feel overwhelming, but if you choose the right care team, you’re in compassionate and trusted hands. Our goal is to make your tooth extraction a calm and comfortable experience, protecting your health for the future.

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Understanding Tooth Extractions

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. While our primary goal is always to save your natural teeth, sometimes an extraction is the best way to restore your oral health and prevent future problems.

We may recommend a tooth extraction for several reasons:

  • Severe Tooth Decay: When a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a filling or crown
  • Advanced Gum Disease: If infection has destroyed the bone and tissues supporting the tooth
  • Impacted Teeth: When a tooth, often a wisdom tooth, is trapped in the jaw and cannot emerge properly
  • Overcrowding: To create space for orthodontic treatment and allow other teeth to align correctly
  • Trauma or Injury: If a tooth is broken or cracked beyond repair

There are two main types of extractions. A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is visible in the mouth. A surgical extraction is more complex and is needed when a tooth has broken off at the gum line or has not fully emerged.

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The Tooth Extraction Process

Your journey starts with a personal consultation. This is our time to listen to your concerns, review your medical history, and take detailed X-rays. We will explain why an extraction is needed and answer all your questions, ensuring you feel confident in your care plan.

On the day of the procedure, we will make sure the area is completely numb using a local anesthetic, so you do not feel discomfort. For surgical extractions or for patients who feel anxious, we offer safe sedation options to help you feel at ease.

During a simple extraction, your periodontist will gently loosen the tooth and remove it. For a surgical extraction, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to access and remove the tooth. Our team’s gentle approach and expertise ensure the process is as smooth as possible.

Post-Extraction Care

Your recovery is our priority. Immediately after the procedure, we will have you bite down on a gauze pad to help stop any bleeding and allow a blood clot to form in the socket. This clot is essential for proper healing. You can expect some mild swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with medication.

Following our aftercare instructions will help you heal quickly and reduce the risk of complications like a dry socket.

Key recovery tips include:

  1. Rest for at least 24 hours and limit strenuous activity
  2. Eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes
  3. Avoid smoking or using a straw, which can dislodge the blood clot

You can gently brush and floss your other teeth but avoid the extraction site for a few days. We will provide a full set of personalized instructions to guide you through a comfortable recovery.

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Why Choose Our Practice?

Choosing a periodontist is about finding expertise you can trust. Our doctors have decades of combined experience performing tooth extractions with a compassionate, patient-first approach. We use leading-edge technology and techniques to ensure your procedure is safe and your recovery is smooth.

From your first consultation to your final follow-up, we provide comprehensive care tailored to you. If you need a tooth extraction, contact us to schedule a consultation. Let us show you how gentle expert care can be.

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Meet the Team Guiding Your Transformation

Our doctors and staff look forward to taking the time to get to know you. Here’s a quick introduction to our board-certified periodontists.

Dr. Christopher Connors

A board-certified periodontist and former U.S. Navy dental officer, Dr. Connors brings over 15 years of advanced clinical experience to Westshore Periodontics & Dental Implants. He is known for his skillful, precise approach and a genuine commitment to helping patients achieve lasting confidence.

Read Dr. Connors’ Bio

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