Tooth Extractions

If you think that you may need a tooth extraction, the idea of removing a tooth may seem intimidating.

Tooth Extractions

If you think that you may need a tooth extraction, the idea of removing a tooth may seem intimidating.
Dental equipment holding an extracted tooth

Gentle, Caring Treatment In Harrisburg

If you think that you may need a tooth extraction, the idea of removing a tooth may seem intimidating. But at Harrisburg Smiles, Dr. Cherukuri offer gentle, minimally-invasive tooth extractions and we take a communicative approach to ensure you’re comfortable throughout your entire procedure. With advanced sedation and the latest techniques, we can extract your teeth quickly and with no pain or discomfort.  

TMJ can cause a number of symptoms, like radiating jaw pain and discomfort, restricted jaw range of motion, and more, and it’s often tricky to diagnose and treat. But at Harrisburg Smiles, Dr. Naveen Cherukuri can help. We have years of experience treating patients with TMJ, and we can help you get the relief you need to get your life back to normal.

Why Would I Need A Tooth To Be Extracted?

The most common reason for tooth removal is that your wisdom teeth are not growing in properly. Problematic wisdom teeth can cause a variety of issues like infections, shifting of your other teeth, and overcrowding. For this reason, most patients opt to have their wisdom teeth removed when they start to emerge, usually around the ages of 18-25.

You may also require tooth extraction if you have a severely infected tooth that cannot be saved with a root canal or to remove a tooth that has been damaged by gum disease. Extractions may also sometimes be recommended for orthodontic purposes, or if you are undergoing a restorative dental procedure like the placement of a denture, bridge, or implant.

Do My Wisdom Teeth Need To Be Extracted?

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth extracted. If your wisdom teeth erupt properly and do not cause any complications, they do not have to be extracted. However, most people do not have enough space in the rear of their mouth for their wisdom teeth to grow in properly.

This usually results in an “impacted” wisdom tooth, which is when a tooth is unable to fully emerge from the gum. This can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort, and even result in an infection. Signs of impacted wisdom teeth include red or swollen gums around the rear of the mouth, swelling of the jaw, bad breath, and jaw pain. If you are experiencing these symptoms or similar issues, call us today to schedule a consultation.

What Is The Tooth Extraction Process Like?

The extraction process usually takes only about 5 minutes for each tooth. First, your mouth will be cleaned and numbed, and you can be sedated if you think this will help keep you more comfortable. Then, Dr. Cherukuri will use specialized dental tools to loosen the tooth in its socket.

Once the tooth has been loosened, it will be firmly grasped with a pair of dental forceps and extracted. The area will be cleaned and disinfected, and it will be sutured shut. This process is repeated for each tooth which must be extracted.