Tooth Extractions

Adult teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, losing a tooth is not uncommon—dental trauma, disease, tooth decay, gum disease, and more can cause severe damage to the tooth beyond the point of saving. In other cases, a healthy tooth may need to be removed to preserve oral health, like wisdom teeth removal.

Our oral surgeons, Dr. Seeger, Dr. Gleason, and Dr. Inverso, are very experienced in tooth extractions to enhance our patients’ oral health. Contact Westwood Oral Surgery & Dental Implants today at our Woodbury Heights or Pennsville offices to schedule an appointment.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

Removing a tooth is a very common reason to see an oral surgeon. Reasons for tooth extraction may include:

• Severe tooth decay
• Advanced gum disease
• Infection
• Impaction
• Dental crowding
• Facial trauma
• Baby teeth that have not fallen out on their own
• Preparation for orthodontic treatment

Our oral surgeons regularly perform tooth extractions for patients of all ages. If the extracted tooth needs to be replaced, we can discuss your options for tooth replacement, including dental implants.

The Tooth Extraction Procedure

Before your procedure, you will meet with one of our board-certified surgeons for a consultation. Your oral surgeon will give you a thorough oral examination, as well as review any images of your mouth, face, and jaw. Your anesthesia options will then be discussed. In some cases, we may be able to remove the tooth at the same time as your consultation appointment.

The majority of tooth extractions are straightforward and require only a local anesthetic to numb the area. Extracting wisdom teeth and impacted teeth are more complex extractions and usually require IV sedation. We will provide you with detailed instructions to help you prepare for your upcoming procedure.

Tooth Replacement Options After Extraction

Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like normal teeth that last a lifetime. This long-term restoration solution starts with your oral surgeon surgically placing the dental implant into the jaw bone. Over time, the implant will fuse with the bone and create a strong anchor for the crown, which is the visible part of the implant. The implant stimulates the jaw while chewing, acting similar to a natural tooth root. This keeps the jaw healthy and prevents any risk of bone loss that often happens when a tooth is missing.

Immediate Dental Implants

If you have a healthy amount of jaw bone left jaw bone left and are in need of a tooth extraction, you may qualify for same-day dental implants. Right after the tooth is extracted, your surgeon will insert a dental implant and attach a healing abutment on top. Once the implant fuses with the jaw bone, your restorative dentist will attach your final crown.

Socket Preservation

You can preserve the size and shape of the tooth socket with socket preservation if you plan on restoring your tooth with a dental implant in the future. This treatment can help prevent bone loss and maintain the socket’s integrity. Even if you are not getting a dental implant in the future, preserving the health of the tooth socket can lower your chances of bone loss.

No Replacement

When a tooth is missing and doesn’t get replaced with a dental implant, bone loss occurs. This could result in difficulty chewing on the side of your mouth where the missing tooth is located. We urge you to contact our office today if you have any questions or are interested in exploring your options. Our oral surgeons will help you achieve the healthy smile you deserve.