Tooth Extractions in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
The dental industry has collectively made every effort possible to help patients retain their natural teeth. With new advancements in technology, there are now more ways to keep your natural teeth clean and free of bacteria and decay. Sometimes, no matter our efforts, teeth still become damaged, and the result will still be a tooth extraction. We might recommend a root canal procedure which will keep the outer shell of your natural tooth but removes the damaged inner pulp. This process will still save the natural tooth visually for you. Unfortunately, sometimes an infected tooth or a severely damaged tooth needs to be extracted to maintain the health of the neighboring teeth and the jawbone.
Some Reasons for a Tooth Extraction
- An Infection- In the middle of every natural tooth, there is soft tissue called the pulp that is full of nerves connected to the tooth. If the tooth is damaged and decay reach the tooth’s pulp, the pulp becomes infected. When the pulp is infected, it will cause serious toothaches and sharp pains in the tooth. Most often, this infected tooth can be saved by PerioImplant Associates by performing a root canal. A root canal procedure is when we drill into the tooth and remove the infected pulp. After the pulp is removed and the pulp chamber of the tooth is clean, we fill it with a composite filling and then seal it closed. Every year millions of teeth are saved from extraction with a root canal. If a root canal cannot correct the infection, then you will have a tooth extraction. The reason the tooth must be removed is to both alleviate the pain from the infection and to stop the infection from entering your jawbone.
- Decay or Trauma- Accidents do happen, and when one involves your tooth, it can cause extreme pain from the trauma. PerioImplant Associates can repair a damaged tooth by using a filling to fill the cracks or fractures that were caused by the trauma. The cracks must be filled to prevent any infection from starting and spreading, and to prevent decay. If a filling will not work, we can choose a dental crown. A dental crown covers the visible surface of the entire tooth above the gum. Dental crowns are used to seal a tooth following a root canal procedure or to protect a weakened tooth. When neither option prevents the decay from spreading, we have no choice but to perform a tooth extraction.
- Gum Disease- One of the leading causes of tooth loss is gum disease. This disease causes the gums to detach from the teeth from an excessive amount of plaque build-up along the gum line. As the gums pull away from the teeth, pockets form, which then become infected. This is when your gums become swollen, red and bleed often. If the disease is left untreated, the connectivity tissue holding your teeth will lose its grip on your teeth. In extreme cases, a tooth will start to loosen up on its own and PerioImplant Associates may need perform a tooth extraction.
- Wisdom Teeth- Wisdom teeth usually start erupting in our late teens. Sometimes, wisdom teeth will grow in perfectly straight, unpainful, and do not cause any problems. But in many cases, wisdom teeth grow in crooked and start moving your other teeth, causing a misalignment. This is not ideal. PerioImplant Associates removes wisdom teeth frequently, typically if they have erupted and are negatively affecting the adjacent tooth. We can remove them simply or surgically. It is often suggested to have your wisdom teeth extracted before they start growing in. Even if your wisdom teeth are completely grown in and have caused no issues, they could cause you trouble in the future as they become more susceptible to infection.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
- A Simple Procedure- Using a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area, PerioImplant Associates will loosen your tooth and pull it out using a hand tool called an elevator. Simple procedures are performed when the tooth that needs to be removed has erupted above the gum line for complete access. We will use dental tools to loosen it and lift it up and out of the gum line for a clean tooth extraction.
- A Surgical Procedure- A surgical extraction is a slightly more intensive procedure as it requires us to cut into the gum line to retrieve the tooth. This is often necessary for an impacted wisdom tooth extraction or if a tooth is broken below the gum line. A local anesthetic will minimize any discomfort during these types of extractions. You can also discuss with us about a dental sedation to take away your anxiety before and during your procedure.
Tooth Extraction Treatment Costs
The cost of your tooth extraction will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your tooth extraction treatment, your available payment options, so that you feel you are making the best choice for your situation.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
Our entire team at PerioImplant Associates has one single, primary objective, and that is to offer you the best dental care available. We understand it is common to be apprehensive or anxious about visiting a general dentist, or even a dental specialist such as a periodontist. Embracing that, we will always take our time in explaining the benefits of your dental treatment that is being proposed. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are extensively trained to address all dental issues and health concerns. We will share the aspects of periodontal treatment, introduce our team, and explain any pertinent office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for a tooth extraction procedure for you. Each of us will greet you with a warm smile and send you home with a healthy smile of your own that you will be eager to share.