Tooth Extraction
Comfortable Removal of Damaged or Infected Teeth
Many people will need a tooth extraction at some point in their lives. When decay, gum disease, or facial injuries damage teeth, they can sometimes be repaired and saved. In other cases, the only way to prevent further problems is to remove the tooth completely. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are experts at safely and effectively extracting teeth. In addition to safely removing them, our surgeons can replace the missing teeth with dental implants.
We regularly perform tooth extractions at our offices in New Brunswick, East Brunswick, and MIddlesex, New Jersey. If you have a tooth that is badly damaged, infected, or you suspect may need to be removed, we invite you to contact Oral Surgery Group to schedule an appointment with Dr. Philip Engel, Dr. Richard Stern, Dr. Constantine Simos, Dr. Michael Stern, Dr. Amy Tanchyk, and Dr. Rohan Prabhu.
Why Should I Have a Tooth Extracted?
When treating dental problems, every effort is made to save the natural tooth. Sometimes it is impossible to save a tooth without risking additional damage to surrounding teeth and structures. Teeth that are severely infected may need to be removed to prevent the infection from spreading or causing other problems. In some cases, extraction is the most effective way to eliminate the damage or infection and protect the other teeth and gums. The most common reasons for needing a tooth pulled out include:
- Severe tooth decay. When restorative procedures, such as fillings and root canals, cannot save a tooth, an extraction is usually necessary to preserve your oral health. The infected tissue can reach deep into the roots of the tooth around nerves and blood vessels, making it easy for infection to spread to other tissues.
- Gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease can cause severe tooth decay, tooth loosening, and other problems. Gum disease can cause the bone beneath the gums to become weaker, which leads to tooth loosening. Eventually, the affected tooth or teeth may need to be extracted.
- Dental crowding. Sometimes the teeth become crowded together because extra teeth develop in the mouth. Baby teeth that do not fall out in time can also cause problems. In these cases, extractions may clear the way for the adult teeth to grow into their natural positions.
- Tooth injuries. Most of the time, a cracked or chipped tooth is simple to repair. In some cases, when a tooth is severely damaged, there is no way to repair the tooth without potentially causing future complications. In these cases, most dental professionals will recommend an extraction and possibly a dental implant replacement.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
You will meet your oral surgeon during the consultation. We may take 3D scans of your mouth and face, and will discuss your options for anesthesia and sedation prior to treatment. Simple tooth extractions are completed fairly quickly, often only requiring local anesthesia. In some cases, we can combine the consultation appointment with the extraction procedure in a single visit.
Your surgeon will administer the chosen anesthetic and remove the tooth using forceps. We will place gauze in your mouth to control bleeding and send you home with detailed instructions for post-operative care. Follow these instructions closely so that your extraction site heals properly and you avoid dry socket, which is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot inside the tooth socket becomes dislodged.
Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants
If you have enough jaw bone, you may be able to receive a dental implant immediately after extraction. These types of implants are called same-day dental implants. By inserting them right after pulling a tooth, you save money, time, and lessen your number of surgical visits. This also allows you to leave our office without a missing tooth.
If you do not plan on replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant right away, your surgeon may place a bone graft into the empty tooth socket. The grafting material preserves the size and shape of the socket, making for easier dental implant placement in the future.
When a tooth is missing, the jaw bone beneath it deteriorates over time due to lack of stimulation. We recommend replacing any missing teeth with dental implants, as their posts mimic natural teeth roots and prevent jaw bone loss. Ask us about dental implants during the consultation to learn more about your tooth replacement options.
Your surgeon will also explain any post-operative care instructions before your procedure. Sometimes, infected or damaged teeth can be painful, and many patients feel relieved after finally having their extraction performed. At Oral Surgery Group, we provide the care you need to improve and maintain good oral health. Contact our offices in East Brunswick, New Brunswick, or Middlesex, NJ, today to schedule your appointment with our oral surgeons.
Types of Anesthesia
We offer several types of anesthesia to ensure patients remain comfortable in our care.
Hear From Tooth Extraction Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing tooth extraction at our office.
Reviews From Our Tooth Extraction Patients
"I had been referred to Dr. Stern by my dentist. I previously lost a tooth by chewing gum. The root was in my upper gum, and when I got there, Dr. Stern examined me and said he would be able to do it right then and there. When we were through, I felt very little discomfort from the extraction. I have to go back to Dr. Stern to review, and the plan is they'll be putting an implant in, and my regular dentist will complete the process. The staff was very personal. Everybody was gentle and caring. There's a large staff there; I was impressed. I would recommend Dr. Stern for the way they treated me, for their efficiency, and that they caused me no pain."
"I came to Dr. Stern because my son was going through years and years of issues with his missing incisors. We needed someone that was going to be confident that this could be done, and in the end, Dr. Stern was the one that was able to complete the process. So, when I needed my implant done — I needed first the extraction, then the bone grafting, and then after that, that's when I got the implant. And when it was done, I felt like I always had my own tooth in my mouth. Every time that I come into this office, and I speak with anyone on the phone, I am treated with professionalism and kindness. Dr. Stern is just as real as you can get. He's a great guy. He's a skilled surgeon, and he gives you the best care that anyone can give."
"My experience with the doctors was really funny because they love telling jokes. The staff members—they really did a good job. My recovery went well. It feels great to have a healthy smile. I just feel a lot better because now I also have the baby teeth out and no more cavities. My overall experience, I would say, it was definitely very fantastic. For all my friends and family in Edison, Newark, and Jersey City, I highly recommend the Oral Surgery Group. It has improved my quality of life by a ton."
"Essentially, I was losing my teeth. I'm a diabetic — I think that had something to do with it. I had come to Oral Surgery for most of the extractions. Dr. Engel was the most recent doctor/surgeon here that put in the implants. I have a fixed bridge over implants on the upper plate. The bottom plate, I have a device — an appliance — which snaps into four implants that comes out nightly, goes in in the morning. All the doctors here are very personable. It's not just executing a science of implants or the other services that are offered here at Oral Surgery; they care about the people, and that is a real plus. I would recommend Oral Surgery Group to anyone, young or old."
"I came to see Dr. Stern to have implants placed. I met the receptionist, and they put me at ease right away. Dr. Stern did the extraction; I didn't even realize he'd done it when he told me he'd done it. The dental implant went well. By the second day, I was feeling fine. I went back to work. It was all good. Really a comfortable experience. The staff was very nice. They were always smiling, making everybody feel comfortable. I would recommend Dr. Stern because I felt his bedside manner and his knowledge of what he was doing was excellent. The Oral Surgery Group is the place to go."
Decades of Trusted Care
Start your journey to better oral health and a more confident smile at Oral Surgery Group. Our compassionate team of specialists will walk you through every step, answer your questions, and make you feel like a part of our family. Learn more about us or schedule an appointment.