Extractions may be necessary for various reasons: in preparation for orthodontic treatment, before dental implant placement, or if a tooth cannot be saved with restorative procedures.
When a tooth is broken or has significant decay, the ideal solution is to rebuild it using a filling, crown, or other restoration. If restoration is not possible or advisable due to the tooth's condition, Dr. Fraser may recommend extraction to prevent infection and achieve or maintain oral health.
Most extractions can be performed using local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. Once the tooth is gently loosened and removed, gauze pads are placed for the patient to bite down on the tooth socket to apply pressure and stop bleeding.
Sometimes, Dr. Fraser will place regenerative bone grafting material into an empty tooth socket to restore bone where the extraction has left an empty, weakened area. This process encourages your body’s natural capacity to regenerate bone in preparation for dental implant placement.