Tooth Extractions

Having a tooth (or teeth) removed can be an unsettling prospect.

However, sometimes it can be the best solution to optimize your oral health.

During your appointment, Dr. Sonstegard will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for removal as well as tooth replacement options.

When Would I Need a Tooth Extracted?

We always strive to save your teeth, but there are some cases when removing teeth is the best and/or only option to improve your oral health. It is only after consulting with your dentist and oral surgeon that the decision would be made to extract a tooth. Some common reasons a tooth may need to be extracted include:

Dental Crowding: Crowding can happen when teeth do not fit in their proper place, a baby tooth is lost too early, an adult tooth comes in too late, or the jaw is too small for the size of the teeth. As a result, one or more teeth overlap and crowd each other. Crowding can cause bite misalignment and increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Severe Tooth Decay or Damage: If a tooth has extensive decay or damage that cannot effectively be treated with a dental treatment (like a filling, root canal, or a crown), then extraction may be necessary.

Advanced Gum Disease: In cases of advanced periodontal (gum) disease, teeth may become loose. Those teeth may need to be extracted to prevent the advancement of infection and protect the surrounding teeth.

Wisdom Teeth: Also called third molars, wisdom teeth may be extracted if they are impacted (unable to fully emerge from the bone and/or gums) or causing pain, crowding, or other dental issues. Read more here.

Orthodontic Treatment: Sometimes, tooth extraction is a necessary part of an orthodontic treatment plan in order to create space for proper tooth alignment. We will only remove a healthy tooth if it is absolutely necessary. Dr. Sonstegard will work closely with your orthodontist for your specific plan of care.

Broken or Fractured Teeth: Teeth that are severely broken or fractured may need to be extracted, especially if the damage extends below the gumline.

What to Expect

In all cases, the area around the tooth is numbed and specialized instruments are used to loosen and remove the tooth. Sometimes, it may be necessary to section a tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal.

The option to be awake or asleep for this procedure depends on many factors; these - as well as your preference - will be discussed during your consultation.

In complex extractions involving impacted teeth, actively infected teeth, or poorly positioned teeth, we may recommend sedation. Your unique case and preferences will be discussed during your consultation.

There are three main choices for anesthesia:

Local Anesthesia

Nitrous Oxide

IV Sedation

Local Anesthesia provides numbness directly to where it is administered, so feelings of pain are eliminated. It does not affect consciousness, so the patient remains awake.

Otherwise known as "laughing gas," nitrous oxide is a mild gas that is inhaled with oxygen to alleviate feelings of anxiety. It does not cause loss of consciousness and is paired with local anesthesia for your comfort.

This type of anesthesia is administered directly into the patient's vein. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is a common side effect of the medication and most patients who receive IV sedation do not remember their procedure.