When a tooth is broken or damaged to the point that it cannot be repaired, your dentist may recommend to have it removed or extracted.  Some of the reasons that dentists recommend tooth extraction include:

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• Crowding:  Often teeth are removed to free up space in the arch to straighten the remaining teeth. It is not uncommon to have extra teeth as well that will be removed prior to starting orthodontics

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• Infection: When decay reaches the nerve canal of the tooth, the bacteria rapidly moves to the tip of the root and can cause severe pain and infections in the jawbone. It is easier to remove an infected tooth before the infection spreads beyond the jaw. This is especially true in patients that are immune compromised from medicines or systemic diseases such as diabetes. 

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• Periodontal Disease/Tooth Loosening: In cases of moderate to severe periodontal disease, teeth become loose. When they are noticeably loose, extraction is usually the only option.

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• Decay or Cracks: If a tooth has decayed below the gumline, or if there are cracks into the gumline it is often deemed unrestorable. 

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Before your extraction, Dr. Loveless will consult with you and discuss all risks, benefits and alternatives of tooth extractions. We will also discuss options to replace the missing tooth, whether it be conventional bridgework or dental implants. If you desire to replace the tooth with an implant we will discuss whether bone grafting is necessary or if an implant can be placed immediately. 

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Your surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas (nitrous oxide), IV sedation, or general anesthesia. You can discuss your comfort level with the procedure and the types of sedation prior to surgery. Click here for a discussion on the different types of anesthesia. 

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Post-Operative Instructions for After Extractions

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