Single Tooth Extractions in Portland, OR

Tooth extraction is one of the most common surgeries in the world. We typically extract a tooth because: A cavity cannot be fixed, a root canal has failed, the patient suffers from severe periodontal disease, it’s part of an orthodontic treatment plan, there is an infection, or there are tooth and root fractures.

In order to remove the tooth, our surgeons use specialized instruments to expand the tooth socket, loosen the root, and then gently lift the loosened tooth out. Recovery from a single tooth extraction is characterized by oozing (a mixture of blood and saliva), pain, and swelling. Pain and oozing typically subside within 1-3 days. The most common complication is dry socket, which involves the premature breakdown or loss of a blood clot 3-7 days following surgery. The vast majority of dry sockets are self-limited and resolve by themselves.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Portland, OR

When wisdom teeth are aligned properly and the gum tissue is healthy, they do not need to be removed. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from erupting properly within the mouth—partially erupted or impacted teeth can cause many problems including excess bacteria and infection.

Through an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, our surgeons are able to evaluate the position of wisdom teeth and predict if there may be present or future problems. Patients are typically evaluated as teenagers and early removal is recommended to avoid future problems and decrease surgical risk.

In order to remove the tooth, our surgeons use specialized instruments to expand the tooth socket, loosen the root, and then gently lift the loosened tooth out. The wisdom tooth extraction process is typically a short surgery and then a few days recovery.

Recovery from a single tooth extraction is characterized by oozing (a mixture of blood and saliva), pain, and swelling. Pain and oozing typically subside within 1-3 days. The most common complication is dry socket, which involves the premature breakdown or loss of a blood clot 3-7 days following surgery. The vast majority of dry sockets are self-limited and resolve by themselves. Read more…

Pre-Molar Tooth Extractions in Portland OR

Many patients have teeth extracted as part of an orthodontic plan or treatment. Patients with crowding in their teeth can sometimes benefit from removal of premolar teeth—allowing for more room in the jaw to relieve crowding.

Wisdom Tooth Exposure & Re-Alignment

In addition to the wisdom teeth, other important teeth can have difficulty erupting. Canines are the second most commonly impacted teeth. However, rather than extracting canines, which are essential for chewing and incising food, we can instead surgically and orthodontically realign them. By surgically exposing the teeth and carefully bonding brackets with chains, an orthodontist can then bring the teeth out. This procedure is best performed before the teeth are fully developed.