Services

Tooth Extractions

Dental extractions are performed for a variety of reasons including tooth decay, injury, and for orthodontic treatment. The difficulty of the procedure varies depending on the case; however, anesthesia is used to numb the area and prevent pain during your procedure. Simple extractions are performed on teeth that can be seen in your mouth. They are removed due to decay or injury and are usually performed under a local anesthetic. Surgical extractions are performed on your teeth that have broken off at the gum line or that have not yet come in (i.e., wisdom teeth). To remove your tooth, Dr. Shlafer has to cut and pull back your gums, which allows access to the area. This is necessary so that he can see the tooth that needs to be removed. Surgical extractions are usually done with local anesthesia, but a general anesthesia is sometimes preferred.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually appear in adults between the ages of 17 and 25 and are the final set of molars that people get. While most eventually have their wisdom teeth removed, not everyone needs to do so. Most dental professionals will recommend having your wisdom teeth removed if your wisdom teeth do not fit in your mouth, you experience chronic pain in your gums around your wisdom teeth, your wisdom teeth do not come in straight, or your wisdom teeth are causing tooth decay to adjacent teeth. Prior to the surgery date, we will discuss the procedure with you and let you know what to expect before, during, and after the extraction. On the day of your wisdom tooth extraction, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. You may also be given a general anesthetic especially if all of your wisdom teeth will be removed at one time. The general anesthetic will prevent pain and will give you the illusion of having slept through the entire procedure. To remove your wisdom teeth, Dr. Shlafer will open the gum tissue and remove any bone that is over your tooth. Your whole tooth is then either extracted or cut into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove. After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches. There are several factors that will affect how easy it is to remove your wisdom teeth. If your tooth has fully erupted, it is a similar procedure to a typical tooth extraction. However, if your tooth is fully impacted or if your teeth have not erupted through the gums, the surgery may be more complicated.

For more information or to make an appointment, give us a call today at (248) 266-8581.