Tooth Extractions

While your adult teeth are designed to last your whole life, sometimes a tooth needs to be removed to keep your mouth healthy. If you need to have a tooth pulled, Hale Family Dental offers tooth extraction services for a variety of reasons.

Why are teeth extracted?

There are a few reasons why an adult tooth would need to be removed:

Damage. If a tooth has suffered significant damage, from trauma or decay, it may need to be extracted.

Crowding. If your teeth are crowded and you are preparing to receive orthodontic treatment, you can have a tooth removed to make space.

Risk of Infection. Those with a compromised immune system, or who are receiving chemotherapy or an organ transplant, can have a tooth extracted if there is a risk of infection.

What is the procedure?

There are two methods of extraction: simple and surgical.

A simple extraction is used for teeth that are already visible. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the area around it. Your dentist will use a tool called an elevator, which loosens the tooth, and then he or she will use forceps to pull it out.

A surgical extraction is used when the tooth is impacted, meaning it is still beneath the gums. You will receive local and intravenous anesthesia, and possibly general anesthesia. For this procedure, an oral surgeon will make a small incision in your gum, and if necessary, they may cut your tooth into smaller pieces in order to pull it out.

How to prepare

Before your procedure, make sure to inform your dentist of any medications you take, including vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. You should also let your dentist know of any other medical conditions you have. On the day of your procedure, bring a friend or family member with you to drive you home after, if you are receiving general anesthesia.

Call Hale Family Dental if you think you need to have a tooth extracted. We will be happy to answer any questions you have.