Our primary goal at Park Cities Periodontics is to save and preserve your natural teeth, but there are times when removing a tooth is necessary to protect your oral health.
Our board-certified periodontists, Dr. Beth Tomlin and Dr. Stephanie Bowers, approach tooth extraction with both expertise and empathy. Their advanced surgical training and years of experience mean you are in capable hands, whether you need a simple extraction or a more complex surgical procedure.
A tooth extraction is the complete removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. The procedure involves loosening the tooth and its root system from the surrounding bone and tissue, then removing it with forceps.
When extraction is necessary, our periodontists consider both the immediate procedure and its long-term implications. They use precise techniques to minimize impact on the neighboring teeth and supporting structures. This careful approach is always beneficial, but it is especially important if you are considering future tooth replacement options like dental implants.
Schedule an AppointmentThere are several situations in which tooth extraction may be the best option for protecting your oral health:
Advanced periodontal disease is one of the most common reasons for tooth extraction. When severe gum disease causes significant bone loss around a tooth, the supporting structures may become too compromised to save the tooth. In these cases, removing the affected tooth can prevent the infection from spreading to your healthy teeth.
We can often save decayed teeth through treatments like fillings or root canals. However, if the decay is severe, restoration may no longer be possible. Removal becomes the better option when the decay reaches below the gumline or compromises most of the tooth structure.
Trauma or injury to a tooth can occur from an accident, sports injury and other types of impact. Severely fractured teeth sometimes cannot be saved through other dental procedures. Removal becomes the best path forward.
Third molars (wisdom teeth) often need removal if they are unable to emerge properly through the gumline or are growing at an angle that could damage other teeth. Removal prevents potential complications.
Sometimes teeth need to be removed for orthodontic purposes. If your jaw does not have enough space to align all your teeth properly, extractions can create the room needed for your orthodontic treatment to be successful. This decision is typically made in consultation with your orthodontist.
If you have a compromised immune system or are preparing for certain medical treatments, we might remove potentially problematic teeth as a preventive measure. The connection between oral health and systemic health is an important consideration in our treatment planning.
When you choose Park Cities Periodontics for your tooth extraction, you are choosing a team that combines medical excellence with genuine care for your well-being. Our state-of-the-art facility, advanced techniques, and commitment to your comfort ensure you receive the highest standard of care in a warm, welcoming environment.
Schedule an AppointmentDuring your initial consultation, Dr. Tomlin or Dr. Bowers will review your medical history, take X-rays, examine the affected tooth and surrounding tissues, and create your treatment plan.
Tooth extraction is never just about removing a problematic tooth. We consider how the procedure fits into your overall health picture, including:
Our goal is to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible, but when extraction is necessary, we ensure it is part of a larger plan to maintain or improve your oral health.
Before you leave your consultation, you receive a comprehensive care folder with everything you need to know about your treatment, including detailed pre- and post-op instructions customized for you. Our team carefully reviews all this information with you to ensure you understand it and feel prepared.
On the day of your procedure, our first priority is making sure you are comfortable. Most patients choose to have the procedure done with I.V. moderate/conscious sedation, so you are sleeping when the tooth is removed. Additionally, we thoroughly numb the area. We want you to feel completely relaxed before proceeding.
Your periodontist will use the extraction technique that is most appropriate for your specific case, always keeping your comfort and the best possible outcome in mind.
Most appointments are completed within an hour, and our team stays attentive to your needs every step of the way.
Our commitment to your care does not end when your procedure is complete. After the procedure, we continue to be actively involved in your recovery. We make follow-up calls to check on your progress, schedule a post-procedure visit to monitor your healing and remain available to answer any questions that arise. You will be given the doctors’ cell phone, so you will always have access to the doctor if something should arise.
Never hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns. Your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities.
If you are planning to replace the extracted tooth, we will discuss your restoration options and help you create a clear plan for moving forward.
There are different types of tooth extractions. The type you will need depends on factors like the tooth’s condition and position in your mouth.
In all types of extractions, we focus on your comfort and the long-term health of your mouth. We will thoroughly explain which type of extraction you need and why, so you feel confident about your procedure.
It is often possible and sometimes preferable to extract multiple teeth in one appointment. This can be more convenient for patients and may make the healing time more efficient. The number of teeth we can safely extract in one session depends on various factors we will assess.
While other dental professionals can perform tooth extractions, seeing a board-certified periodontist has advantages.
Periodontists specialize in treating the supporting structures of your teeth (the gums, bone and surrounding tissues), and they have extensive training in managing complex oral conditions like gum disease or infection.
This expertise is invaluable during extractions because we do not just focus on removing the tooth; we think about preserving the tissues around it and plan for your future oral health.
If you are considering a dental implant after your extraction (or might want that option in the future), having a periodontist perform your extraction is a great choice. We can often save you additional surgeries down the road by preparing the extraction site for a future implant during the extraction procedure.
Since we place dental implants as part of our specialty, we understand exactly what is needed to set you up for success. You can have extractions, repairs and replacements all done in the same familiar setting.
We thoroughly numb the area with local anesthetic before beginning the procedure. You will likely feel pressure during the extraction, but you should not feel pain. If you choose to have I.V. conscious sedation, you typically do not even feel pressure. If you feel anxious or need multiple extractions, we highly recommend sedation with the procedures. We offer several sedation options to ensure your comfort.
Our team will help you understand your financial options before proceeding with treatment. Learn more here.
Leaving a gap after tooth extraction can lead to oral health issues like:
We will always discuss tooth replacement options, such as dental implants, during your consultation. Dr. Tomlin and Dr. Bowers want you to understand all your options and will often work with your general dentist to give you the most optimal treatment plan.
Tooth extraction is not the only method of dealing with damaged or decayed teeth. We explore all viable treatment options that could save a tooth before recommending extraction. However, when a tooth is severely damaged by decay, infection or trauma, or if periodontal disease has caused significant bone loss, salvaging it may no longer be possible.
We do not take extractions lightly and will only recommend it when we believe it is the best choice for protecting your oral health.
We understand that facing tooth extraction can feel overwhelming. At Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, you will find a team that listens to your concerns, explains every step of your care and makes your comfort a priority. Our board-certified periodontists, Dr. Beth Tomlin and Dr. Stephanie Bowers, are known for their warm, gentle approach that helps patients feel at ease—even those who have avoided dental care due to anxiety or past experiences.
Park Cities Periodontics And Implant Dentistry
Phone: (214) 522-9700
Fax: (214) 522-8181
Address: Preston Commons, East Tower