Though we make every effort to preserve a patient's natural smile, sometimes teeth have to be removed. Common reasons include severe decay and damage, advanced periodontal disease, or poor tooth position (impaction). Teeth are also sometimes pulled in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
In an extraction procedure, we begin by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. This prevents the nerves from transferring pain signals. However, patients may feel pressure as we widen the socket to allow for removal.
Some teeth require sectioning, a very common procedure when the tooth root is curved, or so firmly anchored into its socket that it can't be removed in one piece. In this case, the doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections, then extracts it one section one at a time.
In an extraction procedure, we begin by numbing the area with a local anesthetic. This prevents the nerves from transferring pain signals. However, patients may feel pressure as we widen the socket to allow for removal.
Some teeth require sectioning, a very common procedure when the tooth root is curved, or so firmly anchored into its socket that it can't be removed in one piece. In this case, the doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections, then extracts it one section one at a time.