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Oral Surgery & Tooth Extractions

Home/Oral Surgery & Tooth Extractions

Although Dr. Julie Gillis always strives to save teeth if possible, sometimes a tooth extraction is required. Tooth extractions and oral surgery are some of the many services offered at our office. Dr. Gillis is committed to making these types of procedures as easy as possible for our patients. Many individuals who have received these treatments have told us, “That was the most comfortable extraction I have ever had!” We think that is because we spend the time necessary to assure patient comfort during tooth extractions, oral surgery, or any other kind of procedure.

What Is Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery encompasses surgical procedures that may be necessary for conditions or treatments involving oral structures and tissues. These types of operations can be necessary for tooth extractions, dental implant procedures, bone grafting, wisdom teeth removal, and other kinds of treatment.

Does Tooth Extraction Require Oral Surgery?

Many tooth extractions do not require oral surgery; however, some will necessitate a surgical procedure. In cases where a tooth has not fully erupted through the gum (which can sometimes be the case with wisdom teeth), oral surgery may be recommended as the best way to remove the tooth. In others, the affected tooth may be so severely decayed or damaged that the ideal solution for removal is through oral surgery. During the initial consultation, Dr. Gillis will be able to determine each patient’s unique needs and whether oral surgery may or may not be necessary.

Why Would a Tooth Require an Extraction?

Tooth extraction is sometimes the best approach for maintaining your oral health. The most common reasons for tooth extraction include the following:

  1. If your tooth is so broken down that it has a poor chance of lasting more than a couple months or years, an extraction may be the best option.
  2. There may be financial reasons why extraction is the best option for you. Be assured that Dr. Julie Gillis and her team will review your options with you to help you make the decision that is best for you.
  3. Your tooth may be fractured into the bone, in which case it is not restorable without damaging the bone or causing harm to the adjacent teeth.

Dr. Gillis and her team are very experienced in all types of tooth extractions, including surgical extractions and the removal of severed root tips. Along with local anesthetic, Dr. Gillis may recommend the use of nitrous oxide or medication to make your visit more comfortable. Additionally, an advanced laser technique may be used to assist with the actual extraction or to help eliminate discomfort after the procedure is completed.

Post-operative instructions will be carefully reviewed with you to assure your continued comfort and successful healing. Our office will also review your options to replace the tooth after the extraction if that is recommended.

Sometimes, our office will refer you to an oral surgeon if we feel that would make you more comfortable or allow for a better result. Dr. Gillis always wants what is best for you and your particular situation!

Is Sedation Dentistry Available for Tooth Extractions and Oral Surgery?

For those who are nervous about visiting the dentist and receiving dental treatment, sedation dentistry options can calm their nerves and make their experience more comfortable. Sedation dentistry can significantly relieve anxiety for patients who experience such high levels of nervousness about treatment that they may consider avoiding dental appointments altogether. In cases where tooth extractions and/or oral surgery are being performed, sedation dentistry techniques can complement the use of a local anesthetic to further enhance patient comfort and alleviate some of the stress they may typically experience during dental procedures. We can talk with you about available sedation dentistry options to determine whether they may be an ideal solution for your needs.

Is Tooth Extraction Painful?

Local anesthesia (and in some cases additional sedation options) should significantly minimize the potential for pain during a tooth extraction. After the procedure, patients can expect some degree of tenderness in the area of extraction, which should dissipate over the next few days; however, over-the-counter pain medication is often quite effective at alleviating discomfort during this time. We may also recommend periodic rinses with warm salt-water in the days following the procedure to aid the healing process. Dr. Gillis and her team will provide detailed post-treatment instructions and guidelines that can help patients reduce any potential discomfort and enjoy the smoothest recovery possible after tooth extraction.

How Can I Replace My Extracted Tooth?

Once teeth have been extracted, the gap left behind can be replaced in a number of ways. Our practice offers several advanced solutions to replace missing teeth that can provide natural-looking and long-lasting results. Options such as dental implants, dental bridges, or even traditional dentures (partial or full) are available from our practice. Dr. Gillis can talk with you about the many tooth replacement options and help you determine the best solution for your needs and goals.

What Other Types of Oral Surgery Does Dr. Gillis Perform?

Dr. Gillis is very skilled in many other types of oral surgery in addition to surgical tooth extractions. These procedures include the following:

  • Exposing teeth for orthodontics
  • Reshaping gingival tissues to decrease pocketing or improve appearance
  • Removal of tissue tags, thickened tissue or scar tissue, or papillomas
  • Frenectomies, or the removal of the fibrous band of tissue tying the lip to the gums or the tongue to the floor of the mouth
  • Removal of pigmented areas
  • Gingival plastic surgery to remove and reshape excess tissue
  • Biopsies of suspected cancerous lesions
  • Reshaping the jawbone to improve the fit of dentures or partials
  • And more!

Why Choose Dr. Gillis for Tooth Extractions and Oral Surgery?

Dr. Gillis has more than three decades of experience and has the extensive training and skills necessary to effectively perform tooth extractions and many types of oral surgery procedures. When the need arises, Dr. Gillis will also collaborate with oral surgeons and other specialists to develop a genuinely collaborative approach to care that can ensure patients are receiving the best results possible. An accredited member of the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Gillis has proven over her many years in practice to be a highly-qualified dentist who prioritizes safety, compassion, and attentiveness for all individuals who come to our practice for treatment. She is also surrounded by a team of professionals who are dedicated to providing our patients with the absolute best in care. An avid supporter of continuing dental education, Dr. Gillis routinely receives additional training every year to ensure that she is able to provide many of the latest techniques and treatments to her patients—treatments that keep the dental care field advancing into the future in terms of delivering patients more effective, efficient, and comfortable care.

Dr. Gillis views tooth extraction as a last resort that is only to be recommended when the natural tooth simply cannot be saved, or when it is necessary for the protection of overall oral and dental health. She will answer all questions and address any concerns our patients may have, and go over all aspects of the treatment process in detail if it is determined that tooth extraction and/or oral surgery is the most ideal solution.

Please contact our office for more information or to schedule an appointment. Our office and Dr. Gillis will be happy to help!