At California Center for Laser Dentistry, Dr. Gloor may recommend an extraction after a thorough examination if you have severe tooth pain, an infection, or extensive tooth decay. An extraction may also be recommended if the tooth is impacted and cannot erupt properly since it could cause significant damage to your other teeth and the surrounding soft tissues. In some cases, a tooth may need to be extracted if it is blocking the path of another developing adult tooth. 

A wisdom tooth extraction is commonly recommended for young adult patients as these teeth risk causing crowding. Wisdom teeth often grow sideways or at an angle and can cause the other teeth to become misaligned. They can also cause pain and discomfort and inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissues. 

If one of your teeth needs to be removed and replaced, Dr. Gloor can help you explore options such as dental implants and bridges. 

Types of Extractions

Surgical Extractions

This procedure is performed when the tooth is not visible above the gum line and involves cutting through the gum tissue to reach the tooth root. It is typically required for impacted wisdom teeth.

Simple Extraction

A simple tooth extraction is performed when access through the gum is not required and the tooth can simply be taken out of its socket. It is usually performed when the shape of the tooth and roots allow for easy removal. After ensuring that the area is fully numb and that you are comfortable, Dr. Gloor will typically extract the tooth using forceps.

Reason for Tooth Extractions

• Severe decay or infection that cannot be treated with a root canal.
• The tooth is impacted. 
• The tooth cannot be repaired or restored through another procedure.
• If crowding is a risk, a tooth extraction is necessary to ensure the smile remains aligned.
• Orthodontic treatment may require the removal of one or more teeth to make space for the other teeth to move into place.
• A wisdom tooth growing at an improper angle may need to be removed to prevent it from damaging other teeth in the future.

The Benefits of Tooth Extractions

If you do not extract problematic teeth, they will continue to cause you pain and could lead to further complications and problems in your mouth. For example, leaving a tooth infection untreated could lead to an abscessed tooth. An abscess is a severe infection that can damage the bone around your tooth and cause the infection to spread to other parts of your body. 

An infection in the mouth can spread into the nasal cavity and through your bloodstream to other vital organs, causing severe health problems. The only way to treat these types of infections is to remove the tooth that is infected. Leaving the tooth in your mouth will extend the risk and cause more pain.

Using a dental laser that is less invasive, Dr. Gloor is able to reduce bleeding, promote healing, and reduce post-extraction pain. 

If you need a tooth extraction, visit California Center for Laser Dentistry at 1844 San Miguel Dr #106, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, or call (925) 939-3997 to schedule an appointment.