The town of Crystal Lake is filled with friendly faces, and we love to keep our community smiling. When a tooth is beyond saving through other means, extraction is recommended to protect the remaining teeth. Dr. Lehman and Dr. Menis have decades of experience providing a wide range of procedures, including the surgical removal of teeth. After your extraction procedure, we will be happy to discuss options for tooth replacement, such as dental implants or the full-arch restoration procedure.
Tooth Extraction Process
General tooth extraction is typically an outpatient procedure that can often be performed using local anesthesia. When you come to see us for a consultation, we may take 3D scans of your mouth and face to get more detailed images of your condition. In every case, our team will make sure that you are at ease and comfortable before your treatment takes place. Please let us know if you are feeling anxious so that we can provide you with additional anesthesia or sedation options.
For teeth that are visible above the gum line and not impacted, your oral surgeon will typically use a special tool to loosen the tooth before removing it with forceps. For extractions that are more complicated, or if your tooth is impacted (trapped beneath the gums, either under the gum tissue and/or bone), your oral surgeon may need to make a small incision in your gums or remove a small amount of bone to extract the tooth. After the procedure, your surgeon may use stitches to close the incision.
You will receive detailed pre- and post-operative instructions from our office that will outline everything you need to know about what to do before and after your procedure. Following these instructions will help to ensure you have an optimal experience and result.
When Are Extractions Recommended?
If other restorative options such as crowns, fillings, and root canals have failed to repair the tooth, or if the affected tooth is threatening the health of the surrounding teeth, it may be time to have a tooth removed.
You may need an extraction if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Tooth crowding
- Failed restorative treatments
- Extreme tooth damage
- An impacted tooth
- Advanced gum disease
- A severe infection or tooth decay
- A malformed tooth