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
"Well, I came to Dr. Simos as a recommendation from my own dentist, who I guess had used him for his own parents and his children. So I thought that was a good recommendation, so I've been with Dr. Simos for two dental procedures. For the first procedure, removing two teeth I had worked on – upper left and upper right – putting in the bone grafting material, waiting for quite a while for that to heal, and putting the posts in. No pain, no bleeding, no swelling. Even though I was kind of uncertain in the very beginning, it wound up being a good deal for me. My implants feel much stronger than my natural teeth did. Dr. Simos is a very nice guy. Calm and peaceful guy — kind of fits my personality, as well. The nurses were very attentive and very efficient. The staff was great as far as administration, so I had a good relationship with the whole organization, and I would certainly tell my people to come here as well."
"I have something that's called dry mouth—not enough saliva being created—and I started losing my teeth, and so I went for extractions. The office itself is very welcoming. Professional staff, clerical staff, they're all very friendly. Everything is very well explained to you, so by the time the extractions begin to happen, you are fully aware of what to expect. And the follow-up by the staff again was just as they said it would be. It was timely and good questions to make sure that I was recovering. I highly recommend Dr. Stern and the Oral Surgery Group."
"Dr. Simos does a wonderful job, and I’m very comfortable having him work on my mouth. I have been here several times. He’s done several extractions. I’ve had a bone graft and then an implant put in. They’re pretty comfortable once they’re in. They heal pretty quickly. I think the skill of Dr. Simos facilitates that and makes it happen. He also is very kind and very gentle. The staff is fabulous in the Oral Surgery Group. They’re always kind, and I think kindness is a very special trait. If any of my friends in South Plainfield, New Brunswick, Monroe needed a dental implant, I would highly recommend the Oral Surgery Group."
"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."
"When I first walked into the door, I felt extremely comfortable. The team was very accomodating. Dr. Stern, when he came in, he had that nice smile on his face. Well, he just made me feel good about the whole experience. It was easier than I expected. I felt like I was in good hands during the recovery phase. From one to five, I would give them five stars. I would highly recommend Dr. Stern."
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.