We always make every effort to save a natural tooth first. But sometimes — due to severe decay, advanced gum disease, a fracture that can't be restored, or crowding that affects orthodontic treatment — extraction is the right call. At Maggie A. Kleem, DDS in Berea, Ohio, we perform extractions gently and efficiently, making sure you understand exactly what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
If you're worried about pain: don't be. The area is thoroughly numbed before we start. You'll feel pressure — not pain. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward the experience is.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
- Severe decay — when a cavity is so advanced that there is not enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support a crown or filling.
- Advanced gum disease — when bone loss from periodontitis has caused a tooth to become too loose to save.
- Cracked or fractured tooth — when a crack extends below the gumline and into the root, making repair impossible.
- Infection that cannot be resolved — when a tooth is severely infected and does not respond to root canal treatment.
- Crowding or orthodontic preparation — sometimes teeth must be removed to make room for proper alignment.
Simple vs. Surgical Extractions
A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that has fully erupted and is visible in the mouth. After numbing the area, Dr. Kleem loosens the tooth with a dental instrument and removes it — the whole process typically takes just a few minutes.
A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth has not fully erupted, is broken at the gumline, or has roots that are curved or fused to the bone. A small incision is made in the gum to access the tooth. This is still done under local anesthesia in our Berea office and is more common than most patients expect.
After Your Extraction: Replacement Options
Leaving a gap where a tooth was removed can lead to shifting of neighboring teeth, bone loss at the extraction site, and bite problems over time. Before we extract any tooth, we discuss your options for replacing it:
- Dental implant — the most permanent, natural-looking replacement. A titanium post is placed in the jaw and topped with a custom crown.
- Dental bridge — a fixed restoration that uses adjacent teeth as anchors to support a replacement tooth in the gap.
- Partial denture — a removable appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth. A practical, affordable option for some patients.