Oral Surgery

Simple Extractions

Tooth extraction is a procedure to remove a tooth from its socket. It is commonly performed and may be a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. A simple extraction removes a tooth that has erupted into the mouth without cutting into the gum.

A surgical extraction removes a tooth Tooth decay is damage to teeth caused when food and bacteria interact to form plaque and tartar through the gum and possibly through the jawbone.

The most common reason for tooth extraction is removing seriously damaged teeth (e.g., excessive tooth decay, fractured or broken teeth). The procedure may also be used when a tooth cannot erupt fully (e.g., impacted tooth), to reduce dental crowding or the risk of infection and to prepare for a complete denture or radiation therapy.

Odontectomy (wisdom tooth removal)

What are wisdom teeth? Also called third molars, wisdom teeth usually make their first appearance in young adults between the ages of 15 to 25. Because most mouths are too small for these four additional molars, an extraction procedure, sometimes immediately after they surface, is often necessary. When should wisdom teeth be removed? The following symptoms may indicate that the wisdom teeth have erupted and surfaced, and should be removed before they become impacted -- meaning, the teeth have surfaced and have no room in the mouth to grow. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.
Symptoms may include: pain infection in the mouth, facial swelling and swelling of the gumline in the back of the mouth.
Most oral health specialists will recommend an immediate removal of the wisdom teeth, as early removal will help to eliminate problems, such as an impacted tooth that destroys the second molar. According to the American Academy of General Dentistry, third molar impaction is the most prevalent medical developmental disorder.

Gingival Recontouring

Recontouring is a procedure used to treat hyperplasia - an overgrowth of gum tissue. Hyperplasia can result from various causes - certain prescription medicines, orthodontic appliances, and bacteria, to name just a few. Recontouring is performed to reduce the overgrowth of tissue and re-create an esthetically pleasing smile.