Single / Multiple Tooth Extractions

Tooth Extractions 

Oral Surgeons have extensive surgical training and experience in evaluating and extracting teeth. Whether the extraction is simple or complicated by disease, infection, or impaction, their surgical skills make them the obvious provider of choice for the patient in need of that service.

Depending upon the shape and length of the roots, the density of the bone, and/or any associated pathology, some extractions are not simple. Dentists often choose to refer their patients to an Oral Surgeon for tooth removal when they feel the patient will be better served by a specialist. 

Multiple Tooth Extractions

Patients who require removal of several teeth, perhaps in different areas of the mouth, can have this procedure performed efficiently by a specialist in tooth removal.  In some instances a denture is planned to replace the teeth which can’t be saved. Oral surgeons are experts at preparing the mouth for the placement of a partial or complete denture, ensuring a comfortable fit. Since the denture rests on bone with gum in between, it is important that the bone is the properly contoured when the teeth are extracted in order to eliminate any excessive prominence. If not addressed at the time teeth are removed, prominent or sharp areas of bone will result in prolonged soreness. Whether or not a denture is presently planned, Dr. Vecchione routinely incorporates the following procedures during tooth removal procedures, as needed:

  • Bone Smoothing and Reshaping (Alveoloplasty)
  • Removal of Excess Bone (Alveolectomy)
  • Removal of Excess Gum Tissue

When Dental Implants are planned in order to replace the teeth which are being removed, only a very conservative Alveoloplasty would be performed. In these situations, the goal would be to preserve as much bone as possible for support of the eventual implant(s). In fact, Bone Grafting can be employed in order to re-contour the bone by addition instead of subtraction.   

Often, local anesthetic injections will be given in different areas when multiple teeth are removed. The use of General Anesthesia or Intravenous Sedation, administered by Dr. Vecchione, can make this a much more pleasant experience. 

Extractions for Orthodontics

Multiple tooth extractions are often required in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Although many orthodontic patients are adults, most extractions for orthodontics are done for children and adolescents. Over-retained primary teeth or dental crowding may necessitate removal of teeth in different locations, with a similar need for multiple local anesthetic injections. In this age group, the use of Inhalation Sedation (Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen) to provide a more pleasant experience is usually adequate.  

Impacted Teeth

A tooth that fails to emerge or come through the gum tissue completely is, by definition, “impacted.”  Impacted teeth are therefore covered, either partially or completely, by gum and/or bone. While this is a common problem associated with third molars, or wisdom teeth, other teeth can also be impacted. Most dentists usually refer their patients to an Oral Surgeon for removal of impacted teeth.