Removing a Tooth with the Site and the Surrounding Gum Health in Mind
A tooth may need to be removed because of advanced gum disease, extensive decay, fracture, infection, failed prior treatment, or another condition that makes it impossible to keep predictably.
Dr. Eleni Kanasi performs extractions as a regular part of her periodontal practice, including erupted teeth and retained roots. Because she is a periodontist, her focus extends to the condition of the surrounding gum and bone and to what will happen to the site afterward.
Extractions Often Directed to Periodontics
- Teeth being lost to advanced gum disease and bone loss
- Loose teeth with significantly reduced support
- Extractions in patients who are already under periodontal care
- Extractions where ridge preservation is planned for a future implant
- Extractions that are part of a larger periodontal or implant treatment plan
Dr. Amber Hurley Johnson, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, performs surgically difficult extractions, extractions near a nerve or sinus, extractions for medically complex patients, and extractions under IV anesthesia. All impacted wisdom tooth surgery is performed by Dr. Johnson.
When Extraction May Be Recommended
- Advanced periodontal bone loss or a tooth that has become loose
- A tooth that cannot be predictably restored
- Fracture or structural damage
- Persistent infection or failed prior treatment
- A tooth that interferes with the overall periodontal, restorative, or implant plan
What to Expect During Surgical Extraction
Schedule an Evaluation
If you have been told that a tooth needs to come out, or you want to understand whether a tooth with bone loss can still be saved, contact Stafford Oral Surgery & Specialists for an evaluation with Dr. Kanasi.
Deciding Whether a Tooth Can Still Be Saved
Not every tooth with bone loss needs to come out. Part of a periodontal evaluation is determining whether periodontal treatment, regeneration, or another approach offers a reasonable chance of keeping the tooth. When a tooth might be saved with root canal treatment instead, Dr. Kanasi can arrange an evaluation with Dr. Ashraf Eid, our endodontist, before a decision is made.
Planning for the Site After Extraction
Before removing a tooth, Dr. Kanasi considers what will happen to the site afterward. If an implant or another restoration is planned, ridge preservation may be recommended at the time of extraction to help maintain the site.
Comfort and Recovery
Extractions are performed with local anesthesia. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are also available for selected patients. If IV sedation is needed, care may be coordinated with a qualified anesthesia provider. Recovery depends on the tooth, the surrounding bone, whether grafting was performed, and your general health. Instructions will cover bleeding control, oral hygiene, diet, medications, and activity.
Request an Appointment
At Stafford Oral Surgery & Specialists, we provide specialized care for complex extractions and surgical procedures. We work closely with referring dentists to ensure that each patient receives the most appropriate and effective treatment. Schedule a consultation today!