Tooth Removal in Erie, PA

At Sleep Dentistry Erie, our commitment to service is all about you. Your comfort is our top priority no matter what the reason is for your visit. Tooth removal is a necessary procedure that occurs when your oral health benefits by removing a tooth. With modern technology, tooth extraction has become a very simple, painless, and quick procedure. At Sleep Dentistry, our experienced team will be with you every step of the tooth removal process to ensure that you experience the utmost comfort.

Woman smiling after tooth removal and recovery

Reasons for Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth growing in

Wisdom teeth don’t come in until later in adolescence and adulthood, from around the ages of 17-21. Some people don’t have wisdom teeth, and others aren’t bothered by them when they do come in. However, they can lead to overcrowding in your mouth and may need to be removed so that you can maintain your smile.

Infected teeth

Infected teeth can occur from a bacterial infection or untreated cavity. This can lead to a buildup of pus that can form a tooth abscess or decay. If left untreated, the tooth abscess can spread to other parts of the mouth or areas of the body.

Tooth damage or breakage

When a tooth is chipped or broken, the structure of the tooth becomes compromised. This affects the function of your teeth. Broken teeth can make it hard to chew or swallow. Fractured teeth can be extremely painful and may need to be extracted.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease occurs when the gums of your mouth become infected, sometimes leading to gingivitis and bacterial infection. In cases of periodontal disease where teeth become badly infected, tooth extraction may prevent the infection from spreading.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is a tooth removal performed?

There are two ways a tooth extraction can be performed: simply or surgically. A simple tooth removal is usually over in a matter of minutes and requires only a local anesthetic to numb the extraction area and forceps to dislodge it. It can only be performed when there is sufficient tooth structure remaining above the gum line.

When there is tooth damage or fragmentation below the gum line, you’ll be scheduled for a surgical removal. A surgical tooth extraction requires pulling away the gums to access the tooth, where it’s removed whole or in sections. The patient is either under sedation or general anesthesia for the duration of the procedure.

What should I eat after a tooth removal?

You’re able to eat after your tooth removal procedure, however, you should only consume soft foods or non-alcoholic liquids. Around two weeks after a tooth extraction is typically when patients feel they can assume their normal eating habits.

Why should I get my wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they grow into your mouth and seem to eventually cause overcrowding or shifting in your mouth. This can disrupt your current smile and lead to other dental issues. This shifting of your teeth can also be painful for some people and a viable option to avoid that is to have your wisdom teeth removed. Dental X-rays will help determine the state of your wisdom teeth and if they need to be removed.

How are missing teeth replaced?

Missing teeth are replaced with dental bridges or dental implants. Dental bridges are a combination of abutments (supports mounted on existing teeth) and pontics (prosthetic teeth that “bridge” the gap created by missing teeth). Dental implants are anchored directly into the jawbone via titanium screws (the roots), closely mimicking natural teeth. They cost more and require more time to install than bridges, but tend to be a better long-term investment for adult non-smokers in good overall health.

How long does it take a tooth extraction to heal?

Tooth extractions will begin to heal immediately, however the healing process takes about a week to two weeks to be completed. This can vary from patient to patient but it’s wise to follow the recovery instructions provided by your dentist.