Saving your natural tooth is always the priority, but sometimes extraction is the healthiest choice. Understanding when it's needed reduces anxiety about the procedure.
Severe decay or damage
When decay or trauma destroys too much tooth structure to restore, extraction may be the only option to prevent infection from spreading.
Advanced gum disease
Loose teeth from periodontal disease that can't be stabilized may need extraction to preserve overall oral health.
Impaction and crowding
Wisdom teeth that are impacted or causing crowding often require removal, as do teeth for orthodontic planning in some cases.
What to expect
Extractions are performed comfortably with anesthesia. We discuss replacement options, like implants, to restore your smile afterward.
Common Signs
- Severe, untreatable decay
- Cracked tooth below the gumline
- Loose teeth from gum disease
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Crowding for orthodontics
The Bottom Line
Extraction is a last resort — but when necessary, it's comfortable, and we'll plan your tooth replacement right away.