When a tooth has to come out
Severe decay below the gum line, a vertical root fracture, advanced periodontal bone loss, a failed root canal that cannot be retreated, and teeth removed to make room for orthodontic treatment. Sometimes a tooth is removed to eliminate a source of infection before cardiac surgery, transplant or radiotherapy.
We would rather see a tooth kept than removed, and will say so if we think it can be.
Planning the space
An extraction is the first step of a restorative plan, not the last step of a failing tooth. Bone begins to resorb the moment the root is gone, so the decision about how the space will be restored is best made before the tooth is out, not months later.
Where an implant is likely, a socket preservation graft at the time of extraction keeps the ridge shaped for it. Where it is not, we will tell you that too.
Afterwards
You will leave with written instructions covering bleeding, swelling, diet and activity. Firm pressure on gauze for the first hour, no smoking, no straws, and no vigorous rinsing on day one, are what most reliably prevent a dry socket. If something does not feel right, we would rather hear from you early.
Nothing on this page replaces an examination. What is right for you depends on your imaging, your medical history and what you want out of the result. We will set all of that out at the consultation, in plain language.
