Tooth Extractions

There are times when tooth extractions are necessary. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should. This means the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth and jaw at risk of decay. In this case, Dr. Davis may recommend removal and replacement with a bridge or implant. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require the removal of a tooth.

tooth extraction st george

What do I do next?

When it is determined that a tooth needs to be removed, Dr. Davis may extract the tooth during a regular checkup. They may also schedule another visit for this procedure. The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a “tooth socket,” and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. To extract a tooth, Dr. Davis must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. While this procedure is typically very quick, it is important to share with Dr. Davis any concerns or preferences for sedation.

Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift, causing difficulty chewing or problems with your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, Dr. Davis may recommend that you replace the extracted tooth with an implant.