Oral Surgery

• Extractions-Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth. While we strive to avoid the need to remove a tooth whenever possible, certain conditions may make tooth extraction the most effective option for returning your smile to good health and function. Following the tooth extraction, we are happy to provide you with one of our excellent tooth replacement treatments to restore your smile to optimal health, beauty, and function.

Several conditions may necessitate tooth extraction. Among these are:

• Severe infection that has destroyed a significant portion of the tooth and supporting bone structure

• Serious decay that has damaged a tooth beyond repair, making a successful restoration impossible

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Bone grafting-A bone graft is an oral surgery procedure that may be required if your jawbone is not dense or thick enough.  You may need a bone graft if your bone density is insufficient to support a dental implant or other types of treatment. After a tooth is lost or extracted, the jawbone begins to resorb or deteriorate at the site of the tooth extraction. The resorption must be corrected before the dental implant is placed. While bone grafts are most commonly needed for implant dentistry, they may also be required for certain types of periodontal therapy when the bone has been lost due to gum disease.

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Ridge Augmentation-a common bone grafting procedure used to recreate the natural contour of the gums and jawbone after tooth loss and bone loss. The alveolar ridge of the jaw is the bone that surrounds and supports the roots of the teeth. This ridge may deteriorate after tooth loss or removal, leaving an indentation in the jawbone. Bone loss after tooth loss can not only affect your smile aesthetically but can also make tooth replacement more difficult.

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Wisdom teeth removal (upon evaluation)- The third molars, which are commonly called the wisdom teeth, are typically the last teeth to come in. Because they are the last to erupt, there is often not enough room for the wisdom teeth to grow in as they should. When there is insufficient space for the wisdom teeth, they may become impacted (unable to break through the gum tissues and jawbone fully) or grow in at an incorrect angle. Wisdom teeth that do not erupt as they should lead to several dental problems, such as:

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• Disturbance of the natural tooth alignment or orthodontic treatment

• Damage to the neighboring teeth

• Tooth decay

• Infection and inflammation in the gums and other tissues

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If Dr. Sudberry feels it is a better option for you to see an oral surgeon for removal, we will assist in getting you a referral. 

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