Tooth Extractions

As oral & maxillofacial surgeons, Drs. Lohr and Hollabaugh are experts in simple and surgical extractions. You and Drs. Lohr or Hollabaugh may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal (gum) disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health. To avoid these complications, Drs. Lohr or Hollabaugh will discuss replacement options for extracted tooth including dental implants.

The Tooth Extraction Process

For patients who would like anesthesia for the procedure, Drs. Lohr and Hollabaugh are trained as oral & maxillofacial surgeons to safely offer all levels of sedation for patient comfort. For those patients receiving extractions under local anesthesia, the doctors will numb your teeth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic. 

During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away. With extensive training in local anesthesia and sedation, Drs. Lohr and Hollabaugh can address any concerns to ensure a comfortable procedure.

Sectioning a Tooth

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

After Tooth Extraction

For details on home care after tooth extraction, see the page “After Extractions” under “Surgical Instructions”.

Tooth replacement 

For details on tooth replacement options, read about Dental Implants or call to schedule a consultation today.