Life happens. And when it does, our team is here to help. We do our best to provide a seamless and comfortable dental experience.

Extractions

There are times when it’s necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes, a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. Other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk of infection, so it may be recommended to remove and replace the tooth with a bridge or implant. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.

 

Wisdom Teeth

 
 
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Wisdom teeth are types of molars found in the very back of your mouth.

These teeth usually appear in late teens or early twenties, but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. There are many factors taken into consideration when the recommendation for wisdom teeth removal is made.

How does the process work?

Each patient's situation is unique. Your dentist will usually take a panoramic X-ray to determine whether your wisdom teeth will need to be removed. If your dentist recommends removal of your wisdom teeth, it’s best to have them removed sooner rather than later.

Wisdom teeth are typically removed in the late teens or early twenties because there is a greater chance that the teeth's roots have not fully formed. This can make the extraction easier for you, allowing for an easier recovery following treatment.

To remove a wisdom tooth, the area must first be numbed with a local anesthetic. Dr. Pitt can use additional medication to safely sedate you during the extraction if you are feeling nervous about the procedure.

Once your wisdom teeth have been extracted, the healing process begins. Healing time varies depending on the degree of difficulty related to the extraction and your specific health history. Dr. Pitt will let you know what to expect and will provide instructions for a comfortable, efficient healing process. We will want to see you a week following the procedure, in order to check on the healing progress and your overall wellbeing.

Bone Grafting

  • A bone graft involves placing bone material into the empty socket after a tooth is removed. This material acts as a scaffold, encouraging your body to regenerate natural bone over time.

  • You may be a good a good candidate if:

    • You are planning to replace the tooth with a dental implant or dental bridge.

    • The tooth was lost due to decay, trauma, infection or gum disease.

    • The socket left behind is too large to heal properly on its own.

    • Preserves jawbone volume and structure

    • Keeps nearby teeth from shifting

    • Supports future dental implant placement

    • Supports future dental implant placement

    • Helps maintain facial appearance and symmetry

    • Reduces complications down the road

    • Bone Loss: Without a graft, bone in the area can shrink by 25-60% within 6 months.

    • Implant Difficulty: A dental implant may not be possible without a second, more complex bone graft.

    • Shifting Teeth: Adjacent teeth can move into the empty space, affecting your bite.

    • Facial Changes: Bone loss can lead to a sunken, aged appearance around the mouth.

    • More Invasive Treatment: Delayed grafting often requires more extensive and costly procedures later.

Anesthesia Services

  • Nitrous oxide provides a light relaxation and wears off quickly. This type of sedation will allow you to drive yourself home following treatment.

  • IV Sedation is administered for deep relaxation. This is a great option for patients who have extreme anxiety, special needs, or sensitive gag reflexes. Due to the strength of sedation, you will need a ride home following completion of treatment.

Nervous about completing treatment? We offer a few different options for anesthesia services, tailored specifically to your comfort level.