Tooth Extractions

Comfortable Removal of Infected or Damaged Teeth

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to remove teeth quickly and easily to minimize recovery time. Whether your dentist has advised you to get a tooth removed or you need to get your wisdom teeth extracted, Southern Oral & Facial Surgery is the right place. Most tooth extractions are performed in one visit.

Common Causes for Tooth Extraction

While adult teeth are meant to last a lifetime, some circumstances require them to be removed. As dental professionals, we make every effort to preserve your natural teeth. Extraction, however, is sometimes the only option left to maintain your oral health and protect your other teeth.

Dental Crowding

Sometimes, teeth that appear to be healthy still need to be removed due to too many teeth present in the mouth. The average human jaw can fit in only a certain number of teeth. if a young patient still has their baby teeth (deciduous teeth), or is born with too many teeth, or the mouth is too small for all the teeth to fit in the jaw, tooth extraction is often necessary.

Infection and/or Decay

If a tooth is decaying or has been infected, the tooth has to be treated in the early stages so the oral specialist can repair the tooth with a filling. If the tooth is left untreated, decay grows and affects the tooth, which may now require root canal therapy, a crown, or extraction.

Oral Disease

Patients who are diagnosed with periodontal or gum disease may experience a shift in their teeth or notice their teeth become loose or seriously infected. Gum disease causes the gums to deteriorate, often resulting in loose teeth. When left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. While severe, periodontal disease is highly preventable by maintaining good oral health and practicing oral hygiene daily.

Facial Trauma

Teeth can easily be fractured or broken due to an accident or during a serious trauma. There has to be a viable tooth structure remaining for a filling or crown to work, but it may be recommended that the tooth be removed. Dental professionals stress the importance of fitted mouth guards to wear during sports or situations in which your teeth are exposed to possible impact.

Failed Root Canal Treatment

A root canal aims to remove the infected portion of a tooth. If the entire infection is not removed, it can create further infection that jeopardizes the entire tooth’s health. When left untreated, this infection can spread to other teeth and gums.

Vertical Cracks/Fractures of Teeth

When teeth become damaged, sometimes they can be restored with nonsurgical treatments. Fillings, root canals, or crowns are all viable solutions for tooth repair. When the damage is too extensive, your dentist may decide to refer you to an oral surgeon to have the tooth removed.

Need a Tooth Extracted?

During your consultation, we will discuss your options for replacing the missing tooth or teeth with you. Sometimes, it is even possible to place a dental implant during the tooth extraction procedure, but this determination depends on your needs and oral health. We urge you to make an appointment at Southern Oral & Facial Surgery in Franklin and Thompson’s Station, TN to learn about your options.

Types of Anesthesia

There are several anesthesia options available so patients can feel comfortable and at ease during treatment.