When Is Surgical Tooth Removal Necessary?

Surgical extractions are often needed when a tooth:

• Is impacted (partially or fully trapped under bone or gum)
• Has fractured at or below the gumline
• Is affected by severe decay or infection
• Has roots that are curved, long, or fused to the jawbone
• Is blocked by cysts, tumors, or other abnormalities
• Needs to be removed in preparation for dental implants

In many cases, general dentists refer patients to an oral surgeon near you for complex removals that require surgical skill, sedation, or advanced imaging. If you experience any of these issues, ask your general dentist to refer to an oral surgeon near you.

Types of Teeth We Surgically Remove

Our oral surgeons are trained to remove:

• Broken or non-restorable teeth
• Impacted molars (not limited to wisdom teeth)
• Canines that failed to erupt (often for orthodontics)
• Infected teeth with associated bone loss
• Extra teeth (supernumerary)
• Teeth involved in cysts or tumors

We also frequently remove teeth as part of full-arch restoration or before placing same-day dental implants.

What to Expect During a Surgical Extraction

1. Pre-Surgical Evaluation

Your visit begins with a full evaluation, including clinical exam and digital imaging. If you're in pain, have swelling, or need urgent care, we prioritize scheduling for emergency oral surgery.

2. Sedation and Anesthesia Options

We offer a full range of anesthesia, including:

• Local anesthesia
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• IV sedation
• General anesthesia

All options are administered by trained professionals to ensure a stress-free experience. Learn more on our Anesthesia & Pain Relief page.

3. Surgical Removal Procedure

During the procedure, your surgeon may:

• Make a small incision in the gum
• Remove a portion of bone covering the tooth
• Section the tooth into pieces for easier removal
• Carefully extract the tooth and suture the site as needed

The process typically takes under an hour and is performed in our fully equipped outpatient surgery suites.

4. Post-Op Care & Recovery

You’ll be given detailed recovery instructions, along with pain management options. We also offer Exparel, a non-opioid anesthetic that can provide up to 72 hours of targeted pain relief.

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, depending on the complexity of the extraction.

Why Choose an Oral Surgeon for Tooth Removal?

Unlike general dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo 4–6 years of surgical hospital training and are certified in complex surgical techniques and anesthesia.

Patients choose us for surgical tooth removal because we offer:

• Dual-degreed, board-certified oral surgeons
• In-office anesthesia and sedation
• Management of complex extractions and complications
• Treatment of infected or fractured teeth
• Advanced imaging and 3D surgical planning
• Financial options and PPO insurance support

We also offer coordinated treatment if you're preparing for dental implants or full-mouth reconstruction.