Tooth Extractions
Find A Healthier, Pain-Free Smile
If a tooth is too damaged or unhealthy to be saved, your doctor might suggest extraction to stop it from causing more significant oral health issues.
A damaged or infected tooth can affect not only your ability to chew or smile but your overall dental health. Left untreated, infections can spread to the gums and neighboring teeth, leading to more serious complications. That's why it’s important to address an infected tooth promptly. When a tooth is severely damaged beyond repair, extraction is often necessary to prevent the problem from escalating.
Tooth extractions are typically the last option when other treatments, such as fillings or root canal therapy, aren’t effective. Extractions are also common among younger patients who have overcrowding or are preparing for orthodontic treatment. We understand the idea of having a tooth pulled can cause some anxiety, but our skilled oral surgeons can perform the procedure safely and with minimal discomfort. In addition, we offer various options for tooth replacement following the extraction.
A tooth may need to be removed if there are serious oral health concerns like decay or gum disease. In some cases, even a healthy tooth may be extracted as part of orthodontic or oral surgery treatment plans. Regardless of the reason, extracting a tooth can benefit the surrounding teeth and prevent future oral health issues.
At Dental Implants & Oral Surgery of Longmont in Longmont, Colorado, Dr. Chai and Dr. Luter provide a wide range of oral and maxillofacial surgery services, including general tooth extractions. Patients of all ages visit us to receive compassionate care and individualized treatment plans.
Why Might I Need a Tooth Extraction?
In many situations, a tooth must be extracted if it cannot be saved or it threatens your other teeth. Reasons for extraction can include:
- Infection
- Severe decay
- Overcrowding
- Dental trauma or injury
- Tooth impaction
- Gum disease
- Malformed teeth
- Failed restorative treatments, such as root canal
- As part of a larger treatment plan, such as orthodontics, pre-prosthetic surgery, or dental implants
How Teeth Are Extracted
If the tooth being extracted needs to be replaced, your oral surgeon will discuss the options available. Dr. Chai and Dr. Luter specialize in implant-based tooth replacements, including dental implants and the All-on-4® treatment, and will guide you toward the right solution for your needs.
Typically, local anesthesia is used during a standard tooth extraction, but additional anesthesia options may be offered depending on your personalized treatment plan. Your oral surgeon will cover your anesthesia preferences during your initial visit.
Recovery After Tooth Extraction
Following the procedure, you will be given detailed post-surgery care instructions. This usually includes keeping the extraction site clean by gently rinsing with saltwater and following a soft food diet temporarily. Fortunately, recovery is usually quick and uncomplicated.
Types of Anesthesia
At Dental Implants & Oral Surgery of Longmont, we offer various anesthesia options to ensure our patients’ comfort and safety during surgery. Your oral surgeon will select the best anesthesia for your procedure by considering your medical history, personal preferences, and specific treatment plan.
Tooth Replacement Options After Extraction
Once a tooth is removed, it's important to explore tooth replacement options to ensure proper dental function and prevent future complications. During your consultation, your surgeon will help you explore the best choices for your oral health.
Replacing the extracted tooth helps preserve oral health and function, as well as prevent future issues. Your surgeon will discuss available options, which might include:
- Dental implants
- All-on-4® treatment concept
- Traditional dental bridges
- Dentures
- Socket preservation
For more details on the tooth replacement solutions we offer, please visit our Tooth Replacement Options page.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Tooth Extractions and other procedures.
"When I first walked into this practice, I felt super comforted and everybody was super friendly and welcoming. My doctor was so amazing, so funny, so great. My procedure went very, very well, and I had such a smooth recovery."
"My doctor was amazing. He answered all my questions. He was he was very caring and understood my concerns. Did my procedure go well? I would say it went fantastic and the recovery was amazing. I was very happy with with the outcome."
"When I first walked in, I was bringing my mother, and everybody was really kind and welcoming, and so when I needed an extraction, I just, of course, came here. My doctor, he is very smart. He's really good at what he does, and he's also very caring."
"My doctor was phenomenal. He first of all, very professional, gentle, very kind. He put me at ease right away. The caring that I have encountered here just can't be beat."
"I brought both of my daughters to Dental Implants and Oral Surgery of Longmont, and they had their wisdom teeth removed. When my daughters and I first walked into this practice, the staff was great. They were very attentive to my daughters’ needs. The doctors are wonderful."
"When I first walked into the office, the staff here was really welcoming. They're very kind. My doctor was really personable and attentive, and very professional. The WUWTA videos really helped me feel more informed before my surgery, and they gave me a lot of tips for the post-op care."
"When I first walked into the practice, they made me comfortable and relaxed, and very friendly."
"I was amazed by how welcoming the staff was. They really go out of their way to make sure that everyone is comfortable. My doctor was very professional."
"I was immediately struck by how warm and gracious the staff were. What matters to me is I want somebody in this kind of work who is technically perfect. By far, this is the best practitioner I've ever been to."
Building Better Smiles For Longmont
At Dental Implants & Oral Surgery of Longmont, our goal is to bring you the best smile possible through exceptional oral surgery services tailored to meet your unique needs. From your first appointment until well after your procedure, we are here to support you on your journey to optimal oral health. We encourage you to reach out to our office to schedule a consultation and discover the life-changing power of oral surgery.