Although the reason for tooth removal varies, general tooth extraction is a common oral surgery procedure. Decay, injury, or disease often necessitate tooth extraction. A tooth may also need to be removed as a part of a larger dental treatment, such as braces or dental implants. Sometimes during other procedures, such as wisdom teeth removal, one tooth or many teeth are extracted as a preventive measure.

When you come to Whitewater Oral Surgery Group, our specialists will perform a complete oral evaluation to design a treatment plan that’s right for you. If an extracted tooth needs to be replaced, we will discuss your options, such as dental implants.

Why Do Some Teeth Need To Be Removed?

  • Dental crowding. Dental crowding happens when the teeth do not fit in the jaws as they should. As a result, dental crowding can cause misalignment of the bite and increase the chance of decay or gum disease.
  • Periodontal disease. Gum disease affects the tissues around the tooth as well as the bones under the gums. It is a leading cause of tooth decay and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a serious but common oral infection that is largely preventable.
  • Tooth decay. Tooth decay is a hole in the tooth commonly caused by bacteria buildup. It is also known as a cavity. When tooth decay goes untreated, extraction may be the only option to restore oral health.
  • Oral health treatment. An orthodontic braces plan or dental implant treatment may require one or more teeth to be removed. However, most dental health professionals will only recommend extracting a healthy tooth when it is absolutely necessary.

After your oral surgeon has completed a thorough evaluation, they will discuss your treatment and options for anesthesia, as well as answer any questions you may have.

Types of Anesthesia

Whitewater Oral Surgery Group uses three main types of anesthesia:

Local

Local anesthesia is administered directly to the surgical site and only affects the local area. It is commonly used for minor procedures, such as simple dental extractions or small soft tissue biopsies.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas and is a mild sedative inhaled through a mask over the mouth and nose. It is often used in conjunction with local anesthesia. The effects of the gas will dissipate after breathing some oxygen for a few minutes after the procedure.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is administered into the patient’s vein. This type of sedation is most commonly used during impacted wisdom teeth extraction, extensive dental implant surgery, or any surgical procedure that may be more complex in nature.