Tooth Extractions in Princeton and Flemington, NJ

While our primary goal is always to save a natural tooth, there are times when an extraction is the most effective and necessary step to protect your overall oral health. At West Jersey Oral, Maxillofacial, & Dental Implant Surgery, we understand that this can be a source of anxiety, and our entire team is dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

What is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. This procedure is recommended when a tooth is too severely damaged from decay or trauma to be repaired, or when it is causing other problems in your mouth, such as crowding or infection.

There are two main types of extractions. A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is visible and can be removed with forceps. A surgical extraction is required when a tooth is broken off at the gum line or has not fully erupted, and it involves making a small incision in the gum to access and remove the tooth.

When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

An extraction may be recommended for a variety of reasons, all of which are aimed at resolving a current problem or preventing future complications. This procedure is often ideal for:

• A tooth that has been severely damaged by decay or trauma and cannot be saved with a filling, crown, or root canal.
• Advanced periodontal (gum) disease that has destroyed the bone and ligaments supporting the tooth.
• Impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, that are trapped in the jaw and causing pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth.
• Overcrowded teeth, where an extraction is needed to create the necessary space for successful orthodontic treatment.
• A cracked or fractured tooth root that is not repairable.

Our Approach to Tooth Extractions

We use a meticulous, multi-step approach to ensure your extraction is performed safely and with the best possible outcome.

1. Comprehensive Evaluation and 3D Planning: Your care begins with a thorough examination and an advanced 3D CBCT scan. This detailed imaging allows our surgeons to see the precise position of the tooth's roots in relation to surrounding nerves and sinuses, which is critical for planning a safe and predictable surgical procedure.

2. Personalized Anesthesia for Your Comfort: Your comfort is our top priority. We offer a full range of anesthesia options, from local anesthetic to numb the area to IV sedation and general anesthesia, which allow you to rest comfortably in a sleep-like state, completely unaware of the procedure.

3. Gentle and Precise Surgical Technique: Our board-certified oral surgeons are experts in performing all types of tooth extractions. They use gentle, efficient techniques to remove the tooth while preserving as much of the surrounding bone and gum tissue as possible.

4. Post-Extraction Care and Replacement Options: Following your extraction, we will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. We will also discuss the importance of replacing the extracted tooth with a solution like a dental implant and can often place a bone graft at the time of extraction to preserve the jaw bone.