Exceptional service with an uncompromising commitment to the highest level of care.
Philadelphia Office: Philadelphia PA Periodontics Office Phone Number215-985-4337 | 1520 Locust Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia , PA 19102 |
Philadelphia Office: Philadelphia PA Periodontics Office Phone Number215-985-4337| 1520 Locust Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia , PA 19102 |
Tooth Extractions in Philadelphia, PA
Whether it’s the result of advanced gum disease that has eroded the bone supporting a tooth, severe structural damage that extends below the gum line, or an impacted wisdom tooth causing harm to neighboring teeth, extraction becomes the most responsible path forward to protect your long-term oral health. When a tooth has reached this point, acting promptly can stop infection from spreading and preserve the surrounding bone and tissue needed for future restoration.
At Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants, Dr. Jay Laudenbach and Dr. Ishita Bhavsar provide this procedure as part of our preventative periodontal care in Philadelphia. Dr. Laudenbach is Board Certified by the American Board of Periodontology, and Dr. Bhavsar is Board Eligible for the American Board of Periodontology. Together, they combine advanced imaging technology, precise technique, and same-day bone grafting to give every extraction site the best possible foundation for healing and future implant placement.
When Removal Becomes Necessary
Extraction is recommended when a tooth can no longer be preserved through other treatments. The most common reasons include severe periodontal disease, significant structural damage, and impacted teeth that are causing problems for neighboring teeth and bone.
Advanced Gum Disease
Periodontal disease that has progressed to its later stages can destroy the bone and tissue that anchor your teeth in place. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, in the most advanced cases of gum disease, teeth may become too loose to save and require removal. When this occurs, prompt extraction stops the continued breakdown and creates the opportunity to restore function through a dental implant.
Structural Damage and Decay
A tooth broken at or below the gum line, a crack that reaches into the root, or decay so severe that the pulp and surrounding structure cannot support a restoration all require removal. Leaving such teeth in place creates an ongoing risk of infection that can spread to neighboring teeth and bone.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth that cannot fully emerge through the gum tissue are considered impacted. These teeth may become infected, crowd or shift adjacent teeth, or develop cysts that damage the surrounding jawbone. Surgical removal resolves these issues before they compound.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Before any extraction, our team uses Cone Beam 3D imaging to map the full anatomy of the tooth, including root structure, proximity to nerves, and surrounding bone levels. This detail allows us to plan with precision and anticipate any complexity involved.
On the day of the appointment, local anesthetic numbs the tooth and surrounding tissue completely. For patients who feel anxious, we offer sedation options to help you stay relaxed throughout. For a straightforward case, the tooth is gently rocked in its socket to loosen the fibers holding it to the bone before it is lifted free. A surgical approach, used for impacted teeth or those with complex root structures, involves a small incision to access the tooth, and roots may be sectioned individually to minimize pressure on the surrounding bone.
Preserving the Bone After Extraction
One of the most important steps we take at the time of removal is protecting the bone at the site. When a tooth is gone, the empty socket begins to deteriorate quickly, with the jawbone shrinking in both height and width. Research on jawbone loss and deterioration confirms that this resorption can be dramatic in the months following extraction, particularly when the tooth was lost due to infection from periodontal disease or a failed root canal.
We recommend socket preservation at the time of extraction to protect the bone volume needed for a future dental implant. After the tooth is removed and the area is thoroughly cleaned, prepared graft material fills the socket completely. A thick collagen barrier is placed over the graft to hold it in position and promote healthy soft tissue growth. Sutures secure everything in place, and this process also helps prevent dry socket by minimizing bone exposure during early healing.
Bone Grafting at Extraction Sites
Extensive bone loss occurs following tooth extraction. The empty socket deteriorates rapidly, with the jawbone shrinking in height and width. For a tooth extracted due to infection from periodontal disease or failed root canal, dramatically more bone loss occurs.
We recommend bone grafting the extraction site the same day as your tooth extraction to preserve bone volume. After removing the tooth, we clean the extraction area to remove infected soft tissue. Prepared bone graft material fills the socket completely.
The bone graft material reduces discomfort following extraction. Grafting extraction sites prevents painful dry socket by minimizing bone exposure during early healing. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot protecting the extraction area becomes dislodged, exposing bone and nerves.
Thick collagen barrier material covers the bone graft, holding it in place and promoting soft tissue growth. Sutures stabilize the gum tissue and collagen material, preserving bone needed for future dental implants.
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Laser Technology Enhances Healing
As a final treatment step, Dr. Laudenbach and Dr. Bhavsar use the Fotona dual-wavelength laser system to disinfect the grafted area more thoroughly than conventional methods allow. The laser seals the site by forming a dense blood clot within the collagen barrier material. Operating in low-power mode, it also biostimulates healthy bone cells to accelerate new bone formation. This additional step supports faster healing, reduces swelling, and helps achieve better long-term outcomes. Both Dr. Laudenbach and Dr. Bhavsar are trained in Fotona laser therapy.
Recovery After Tooth Extraction
Initial healing from tooth extractions takes one to two weeks. During the first 24 hours, maintain firm pressure on the gauze pad placed over the extraction area to help a blood clot form. This blood clot protects the underlying bone and nerves.
Avoid disturbing the clot by not rinsing vigorously, drinking through straws, or smoking. Eat soft foods for the first few days while the extraction site heals. Yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soup provide nutrition without requiring much chewing.
Apply an ice pack to your face near the extraction area for 15 minutes at a time during the first day to reduce swelling. Take prescribed pain medications as directed to manage discomfort. Most patients return to normal activities within two to three days.
Keep your mouth clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water starting 24 hours after extraction. Brush your natural teeth carefully, avoiding the extraction area for the first few days. Avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours as it can increase bleeding and swelling.
Why Replace the Extracted Tooth
The empty socket left after tooth extraction becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and harbors germs and food debris. The socket and surrounding bone deteriorate, leading to bone density and volume loss. The contours of your face take on a sunken appearance, especially if multiple teeth are extracted.
Remaining natural teeth shift out of alignment, leading to an inability to chew properly and issues with jaw alignment. Missing teeth affect your bite, speech, and facial structure. Our doctors review replacement options at your appointment.
Tooth Replacement Options
Several replacement options restore function and appearance after tooth extractions. Our doctors review these options so you can choose what fits your lifestyle and budget.
Fixed Dental Implant Crowns and Bridges
Dental implants replace both the root and crown of the tooth. The implants are surgically placed in the jawbone. After they fuse into place, crowns or a dental prosthetic attach to replace the visible portion of the extracted teeth. Dental implants can last 30 years or more and do not require preparation or modification of adjacent teeth.
Fixed Tooth-Supported Bridges
Fixed bridges have a dental crown at either end to support the replacement teeth. The crowns cement onto natural teeth on each side of the missing teeth. The teeth that are crowned must be ground down before the crowns are placed. Fixed bridges are not removable.
Removable Partial Dentures
A dental bridge made of plastic and metal replaces one or more adjacent missing teeth. It consists of replacement teeth attached to metal clips or wires. You can remove a dental bridge to clean it and when sleeping. This replacement relies on other teeth in the mouth for support.
Removable Complete Dentures
Dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They cover the gums and are made of plastic and other materials to resemble gums and teeth. You must remove them for cleaning and at night when sleeping. A denture on the upper jaw covers the palate for stability. Implants may be added to help stabilize complete removable dentures.
Replacing a Missing Tooth
Leaving a gap unfilled can cause neighboring teeth to shift, alter your bite, and accelerate bone loss in the area. Our team walks you through all options for replacing missing teeth, from single dental implants and implant-supported bridges to removable partial dentures. Dental implants are widely considered the most effective long-term solution because they integrate with the jawbone and restore full function, and the socket preservation performed at the time of extraction is designed to protect exactly the bone volume an implant requires.
Schedule a Consultation at Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants
Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants brings together a highly credentialed team dedicated to your comfort and long-term oral health. Dr. Jay Laudenbach, Board Certified by the American Board of Periodontology, has built a practice grounded in patient-centered care, conservative treatment philosophy, and a commitment to the highest level of periodontal excellence in the Philadelphia area. Our practice welcomes referrals from professional colleagues as well as new patients, and we always make room for your friends and family.
If you have been told you may need an extraction, or if you are experiencing pain, swelling, or instability in a tooth, we encourage you to reach out to our team.
Experience Exceptional Care at Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants
Transform Your Smile with Immediate Dental Implants, Minimally Invasive Laser Therapy, Gum Tissue Grafting, and More in Philadelphia. Schedule your appointment today for top-quality care in a warm and relaxed environment.
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Our mission is to help patients live healthier lives. We provide a caring, nurturing environment where your comfort and health is of primary importance.
1520 Locust Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-985-4337
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