There can be many different reasons why a tooth needs to be removed: extensive decay or fracture of a tooth that cannot be repaired, severe bone loss, a need to make room for other teeth in the mouth, or in the case of 3rd molars, or wisdom teeth, to prevent or eliminate problems with eruption. Extractions are usually very quick and simple procedures and many patients are fine to return to work the next day. Dr. Kernstock will send along some instructions for at home care following an extraction, and if any concerns or questions come up, they will be happy to help . We never like to have to take a tooth out. It is always best to save a tooth, when we can. But sometimes a tooth can’t be saved, or there is no better alternative.
There are several options for replacing missing teeth. You may want to visit other pages on this website about those options. For a single tooth replacement, the most common choices are a dental bridge or a dental implants. A dental implant is a more conservative treatment, because nothing has to be done to the adjacent teeth. Especially if those teeth are healthy, it seems a shame to place dental crowns on them in order to do a bridge. A dental implant will look so much like your natural tooth that no one will be able to tell you’ve had any work done.
For multiple missing teeth, dental implants are also an option. A more economical alternative is a removable partial dentures.
And, if all your teeth have been extracted, there are various options in dentures. They can be completely removable, or they can be retained with dental implants.
Do you have a tooth that needs to be extracted? If so, we promise to be very gentle. Just call us at 989-893-4381, or you can request an appointment online, by clicking on our request an appointment page.