Occasionally, it is necessary to extract a tooth because it is severely damaged or decayed, or it is an impacted wisdom tooth that is causing a lot of pain. Also, teeth that are overcrowded and require orthodontic treatment may need be removed.
A tooth extraction is a routine procedure at our dental practice here in Long Beach. The procedure generally includes an x-ray to assess the location, positioning, size and area around the tooth to be removed so we can determine the extent of the extraction process. A front tooth for example, has a single root which would require a less extensive procedure than a molar would, which has multiple roots. Next, we determine the level of anesthesia and sedation that will keep you numb and relaxed throughout the procedure so you will be as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
Once the tooth is removed, it can be replaced with a dental implant or a bridge so you will retain your smile and chewing ability.