Extractions

An extraction is usually done with the same local anesthesia used for a simple filling. These procedures tend to be quick and relatively painless. A tooth extraction is a relatively common procedure, with 20 million performed each year in the U.S. alone. Occasionally, a tooth extraction may be considered if a tooth is damaged or diseased to the point that it cannot be saved.

For many people the idea of having a tooth removed can cause significant dental anxiety. At Creve Coeur Family & Sedation Dentistry we offer a variety of sedation options to ensure that your experience is as comfortable as possible. See our Sedation Dentistry (Hyperlink) tab to see if sedation dentistry is right for you.

Options After An Extraction

It is very important to decide how the tooth will be replaced before it is taken out. Some options include a dental implant, dental bridge, partial or complete denture, or even an implant retained denture to name a few.

The jawbone of the mouth is the foundation for not only our natural teeth, but also any dental restoration we may need now or even years down the road. It is much easier to preserve the bone that we have than to replace bone that is gone. Each time a tooth is removed the surrounding bone will resorb as part of the natural healing process. To minimize the amount of resorption that takes place, a bone graft may be recommended. A variety of both natural and synthetic grafting materials are available.