Tooth Extractions in State College, PA

While our experienced general dentists in State College, PA, make every effort to save and preserve your natural teeth, there are times where a tooth or teeth may need to be removed to improve oral health. At our State College, PA practice, our dentists perform simple and surgical tooth extractions to help patients overcome a range of conditions, from retained baby teeth to impacted molars. A simple extraction removes a tooth that is visible above the gums and is typically performed for a tooth that is damaged or decayed beyond repair. A surgical tooth extraction removes a tooth that has not fully erupted through the gums, such as wisdom teeth or impacted molars (trapped in gum or bone), that lack the space to fit into your mouth. No matter the reason for needing a tooth extraction, our team is dedicated to your comfort and will provide you with the best possible care. Advanced Dentistry of Centre County offers multiple sedation dentistry options to help you stay comfortable and at ease throughout your treatment. If you or your loved one need to have a tooth removed, call our team today to schedule a consultation.

When a tooth is keeping you from a healthy, comfortable smile, tooth extraction may be the most appropriate treatment option. Our dentists in State College, PA, will make every attempt to repair damaged or decayed teeth through advanced restorative dentistry options. However, teeth that have a hopeless prognosis (irreparable) and those with severe decay may need to be removed to protect the health of your smile. Tooth extractions may be beneficial in a number of cases, such as:

• Severe tooth decay
• Broken or worn teeth
• Stubborn baby teeth
• Abscessed or infected teeth
• Advanced bone loss (gum disease)
• Impacted molars (such as wisdom teeth)
• Supernumerary teeth (extra teeth)
• Damage from trauma or injury
• Orthodontic treatment plans

In many cases, teeth that support proper oral function or those visible in the smile need to be removed. Our dentists are pleased to offer effective tooth replacement solutions to restore the functionality and appearance of your smile following a tooth extraction.

Extractions are performed in our State College, PA office using local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Other forms of sedation may be used based on the extent of the extraction and to help keep you relaxed in case you have any dental anxieties. Once you are ready, our dentists will begin the procedure using a gentle approach and taking special care to preserve the surrounding bone, nerve, and gum tissues. For a simple extraction, we will loosen the tooth using a special device called an elevator prior to removal. A surgical extraction involves making incisions in your gums to reach the tooth. If needed, the tooth might be sectioned into smaller pieces so it can be removed without causing damage to surrounding bone and tissues. In some instances, a small amount of bone grafting material may be placed into the tooth socket to preserve the jaw for a future dental implant. Following a tooth extraction, our dentists may place sutures in the gums to promote proper healing.

Depending on the form of sedation dentistry used during your extraction in our State College, PA office, you may need to have a responsible adult drive you home from your appointment. Special instructions on managing your extraction site and oral health as you heal will be provided by our staff. It is important that you avoid using straws, smoking, and spitting for the next few days. We may also recommend that you eat soft, room-temperature food for at least a few days following the extraction. You may experience swelling and discomfort following your extraction, which can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medicine and cold compresses against the outside of the jaw. Any prescriptions for pain medication or antibiotics provided by our dentists should be taken exactly as instructed. Along with a follow-up appointment to check your healing, our team will continue to monitor your extraction sites and overall oral health during each of your routine dental check-up visits at Advanced Dentistry.

A tooth extraction is generally covered, at least in part, by most major dental insurance plans; however, your sedation option may or may not be fully covered. Before your extraction, we will call your insurance provider to review your specific coverage and estimate any personal costs. Our practice is a participating provider for the Nittany Dental Network and several other insurance plans. At Advanced Dentistry in State College, PA, we want all patients to have access to affordable, quality care and offer flexible payment plans and financing through CareCredit.

Tooth extractions may be a necessary part of promoting oral health, whether your family members have advanced tooth decay or require wisdom tooth removal. Whatever your needs might be, our compassionate State College, PA dentists and team are ready to provide the trusted, experienced care you need for healthier smiles. For more information on gentle simple and surgical tooth extraction services, please reach out to Advanced Dentistry of Centre County today!