Extractions

Dr. Carpenter or Dr. Bacopoulou may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. 

The removal of even a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your health.

To avoid these problems, Dr. Carpenter or Dr. Bacopoulou will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as the replacement of the extracted teeth.  There are three replacement options available to replace missing teeth:  Implants, Fixed Bridges and Removable Partial or Full Dentures.

Bone Grafting of the socket is an option Drs. Carpenter or Bacopoulou often recommends.  When teeth are lost, the alveolar bone that surrounds the teeth resorbs, since it no longer receives stimulation.  Bone resorption can be prevented by bone grafting at the time of tooth removal.  This will help maintain the existing bone so an implant can be placed in the future.  

The Extraction Process

At the time of extraction, Dr. Carpenter or Dr. Bacopoulou will completely numb the area with a local anesthetic.  For the apprehensive patient, nitrous oxide and oral sedation are available.  We often utilize piezosurgery, an exciting new modality to help with the extraction.   Piezosurgery uses ultrasonic vibration through a thin tip to help loosen the roots of the teeth being extracted.