Dr. Leckowicz or your dentist 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. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment. Removing teeth, while not a particularly pleasant experience, is a routine and uncomplicated procedure in the hands of an expert.

Dr. Leckowicz specializes in extractions and perform these types of surgeries every day.

Is a tooth extraction a simple procedure?

There are actually two types of tooth extraction. A simple extraction can be carried out if the tooth can be seen above the gum line. A more complicated procedure is a surgical extraction. This occurs when the tooth is broken or hasn’t come through the gum.

How is the tooth extracted?

With a simple extraction, your doctor makes the tooth loose by using a special instrument called an elevator. Once it has been loosened sufficiently the dentist will then pull the tooth out with dental forceps. A surgical extraction is carried out for teeth still under the gum and your dentist will make an incision in your gum, along the gum line and then extract the tooth beneath it. Sometimes these teeth have to be sectioned into pieces.

What pain relief can I have for a tooth extraction?

A simple extraction will normally only require an anesthetic injection, which numbs the tooth and the gum around it.

Other types of pain relief include taking a pill about an hour before surgery, which will make you relaxed and drowsy or sedation through a vein in your arm. If the procedure is particularly complicated, or you are an extremely nervous patient, you can opt to have a general anesthetic, which will put you to sleep completely.