Tooth Extraction

A tooth extraction, also known as exodontia, is simply the removal of a tooth. Our staff will try our absolute best to make our patients comfortable during and after a tooth extraction through the use of appropriate pain medications.

Depending on the patient’s oral history and specific situation, a tooth can be removed either simply or surgically. If the tooth is visible, Dr. Gehring or Dr. Schmidt will perform a simple extraction. This is done by removing the tooth after a local pain anesthetic has been applied. If the tooth is not visible outside of the gums, our doctors will perform a more involved surgical extraction through an incision in the gum.

Sometimes tooth extraction is necessary for the sake of overall dental health, even though the thought of pulling teeth can be a painful one. Some of the reasons for pulling teeth include:

• A tooth is extremely decayed and cannot be fixed
• Teeth are being blocked from coming in
• In preparation for orthodontics/braces
• A tooth is impacted in the gums and cannot fully erupt
• Wisdom teeth

After the extraction, we will advise the patient of a specific post extraction care regimen to follow. In most cases, a small amount of bleeding is normal. It is advised to avoid anything that may prevent normal healing, such as smoking or drinking through a straw.