Tooth Extraction

When a tooth becomes damaged or infected, there are many options to restore it, such as dental fillings or crowns. In some cases, the infection or damage is too severe, and restorative treatments are unable to save the tooth. Extracting the tooth is sometimes necessary to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth and to relieve tooth pain.

Dr. Ahn performs quick and comfortable tooth extractions at our state-of-the-art office in Aliso Viejo, CA. Extracting a tooth is often the last resort, and we will consider all other treatment options to preserve your natural tooth. If you have a tooth that may require extraction, or if you have been referred by your dentist for a tooth extraction, contact OC Oral Surgery to schedule a consultation.

Why Would I Need a Tooth Extracted?

There are many reasons why tooth extraction may be necessary, such as:

• Severe tooth decay
• Advanced gum disease (periodontal disease)
• The tooth is broken and cannot be repaired
• The tooth is impacted
• There are too many teeth in the mouth
• Baby teeth have not fallen out in time
• To prepare for orthodontic treatment

If you are experiencing any of the above conditions, having a tooth extracted can prevent the issue from worsening. If an infected or damaged tooth is left untreated, the infection may spread to your healthy teeth and gums. Extraction will also provide immediate relief from any tooth pain you are experiencing.

Dr. Ahn regularly performs tooth extractions for children, teens, and adults in the comfort of our office. Our team makes the tooth extraction process a seamless experience, and we will walk you and your loved ones through every step.

Tooth Extraction Process

When you visit us for a consultation, Dr. Ahn will examine your teeth and discuss your treatment options. We may take 3D scans of your mouth to detect hidden oral health issues. Prior to any type of surgical procedure, we will explain your options for anesthesia to ensure your comfort. In some cases, we can perform tooth extraction on the same day as the consultation.

After we numb the area surrounding the tooth with local anesthesia, Dr. Ahn will use forceps to extract the tooth. To access an impacted tooth, Dr. Ahn will make an incision in the gum tissue, remove the tooth, and use sutures as needed to close the incision.

Tooth Replacement Options After Extraction

You have several options to consider when it comes to replacing a missing tooth. Dr. Ahn will outline these options and help you choose the right treatment based on your oral health, budget, and restoration goals.

• Dental Implants. Dental implants are the most natural-looking option for tooth replacement. Your surgeon will insert the implant post into the jaw, where it functions just like a natural tooth. Dental implants keep the jaw bone healthy, prevent dental shifting, and you never have to worry about removable oral appliances. If you have a healthy jaw bone, you may qualify for same-day dental implants, which are inserted immediately following tooth extraction. Patients missing most or all of their teeth can receive a brand new smile through full-arch restoration, which uses dental implants to support a fixed denture.
• Socket Preservation. If you do not plan on replacing the tooth with a dental implant, socket preservation or other bone graft treatments may be ideal to preserve the size and shape of the empty tooth socket and prevent bone loss. Maintaining the size and shape of the socket makes future implant placement easier.
• Traditional Denture or Bridge. Dentures or bridges can quickly replace one or more missing teeth. These options do not require a surgical procedure, and while they restore the appearance of missing teeth, they do not fully restore oral function. Removable appliances must be taken out during meals and brushing, and you should replace your dentures or bridge every few years due to wear and tear. Because they do not fuse to the bone like implants, these options leave you susceptible to jaw bone atrophy caused by tooth loss.
• No Replacement. You do not have to replace a missing tooth with any type of implant or appliance. However, if a missing tooth is not replaced, bone loss can occur. Nearby teeth may shift into the open space, causing bite problems and misalignment of your other teeth.

If you had a tooth extracted many years ago, we can still explore your options for implant-based tooth restoration. Advances in dental technology, such as bone grafting and soft tissue grafting, make it possible for more patients to qualify for dental implants, even when bone loss has occurred.

Tooth Extraction in Aliso Viejo, CA

Extracting a failing, damaged, or infected tooth can protect your oral health by preventing the issue from worsening. We proudly serve patients of all ages in Orange County and invite you to contact us to schedule a consultation if you or your child needs a tooth extracted. Dr. Ahn is a board-certified oral surgeon and will closely evaluate your oral health and create a custom care plan for your needs.