Tooth Extractions
Why Do Teeth Need To Be Removed?
Despite our best efforts, there are some instances in which we cannot keep a natural tooth. Decay, injuries, infection, or other conditions may prevent the natural tooth from being saved and can even become a potential threat to the surrounding teeth. If a tooth is causing problems, many patients find relief of symptoms after it has been extracted.
There are many reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted:
- Dental crowding
- Severe infection or decay
- Gum disease
- Facial injuries
- Broken or damaged teeth
- Root canal failure
Dr. Ferguson and Dr. Smith perform the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery treatments in Metairie and Gretna, LA, including many tooth extractions. If you have been recommended for a tooth extraction, we will provide a thorough oral evaluation and discuss your treatment options, including replacement solutions. If you are interested in replacing your tooth after extraction, we offer several types of tooth replacement solutions, including dental implants. Please contact our office for more information.
Tooth Replacement Options After Extraction
After having a tooth extracted, there are several options to consider for replacing the tooth. Dr. Smith, Dr. Ferguson, and Dr. Chuang will walk you through these options prior to your procedure so you can make an informed decision that fits your dental needs and budget.
Dental Implant
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that fuses to the jaw bone just like a natural tooth. This fusion provides a sturdy foundation for your implant, allowing you to regain full function of the replacement tooth. The presence of an implant post also prevents jaw bone loss by providing stimulation during chewing, which preserves facial structure. This helps maintain proper alignment of your other teeth. No special care or products are necessary to maintain good oral hygiene—simply brush and floss regularly. With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is one or more false teeth held in place by dental crowns that are cemented on your adjacent existing teeth. Dental bridges restore the appearance of a missing tooth and some functionality, but do not have the full durability of a natural tooth or implant. You must take special care of your bridge and clean around the framework supporting the tooth. You will also have to replace your bridge due to wear and tear, which can be as frequent as every few years. Dental bridges do not fuse to the jaw bone, leaving you susceptible to jaw bone loss and dental shifting.
Dentures
You can wear a partial denture to replace multiple missing teeth or a full denture to replace an entire arch of teeth. While they restore the appearance of your smile when you wear them, dentures do not restore oral function. Removable dentures are taken out during meals and brushing, and may require adhesive to stay in the mouth throughout the day. If not fitted properly, dentures may slip and cause oral sores. The cost of dentures can add up over time because they should be replaced every few years. With no root or implant post embedded into the jaw bone, dentures leave you susceptible to jaw bone loss and sagging facial features.
Socket Preservation
If you do not plan on replacing the extracted tooth immediately, we can place bone grafting material into the empty tooth socket. This treatment is known as socket preservation and helps maintain the size and shape of the socket. Socket preservation can prevent jaw bone loss associated with tooth loss and makes future implant placement easier.
No Replacement
You may choose not to replace the missing tooth with any type of restoration or bone grafting treatment. Over time, the jaw bone will begin to deteriorate in the area without a tooth root or implant post present. Adjacent teeth may shift into the open space, which can cause your other teeth to fall out of alignment or lead to bite problems. Even if you do not replace a tooth immediately, you may decide to one day receive a dental implant. As long as there is adequate jaw bone, you can receive a dental implant anywhere in the mouth regardless of how many years have passed since your extraction.
Types of Anesthesia
As oral surgeons, Dr. Smith, Dr. Ferguson, and Dr. Chuang have undergone years of training to become experts at performing all types of oral and maxillofacial procedures, including the safe administration of anesthesia. Your treatment plan, including your options for anesthesia, will be discussed in detail before your procedure.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Tooth Extractions and other procedures.
"My name is David and I am from, born and raised, in New Orleans, and my dentist recommended me to Dr. Ferguson for the possibility of getting implants. My overall experience here has been exceptional. When I first walked in, the team made me feel comfortable and at home. Dr. Ferguson has a great bedside manner. I think that put me at quite a bit of ease when I first met him. He’s guided me through this procedure and he’s going to see me through the procedure. I would strongly recommend Oral Surgery Services to anyone—New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner—but I think it’s well worth a visit from anywhere."
"Hi, my name is Jill. I’m from New Orleans, Louisiana. I came to OSS for a tooth extraction, a bone graft, and an implant. When I first came to the office, it’s just a welcoming environment. They make you feel at ease. The procedure went exceptional. Dr. Smith has the best bedside manners. He was so gentle. He explained everything. I knew I was in good hands, and because of that, I was so relaxed, and I was an excellent patient because I had an excellent doctor. I would recommend Oral Surgery Services to anyone in New Orleans and anyone in Jefferson Parish."
"Hi, I'm Mario. I'm from Metairie. I came to Oral Surgery Services for a tooth extraction. Whenever I walked into the practice, I felt welcomed. The staff here at this practice, top notch. They've gone above and beyond. My doctor is phenomenal, very caring, very understanding. Broke down the procedure step by step. My procedure went pretty amazing. The best dental experience I've ever had and my life is amazing because of it. My overall experience here was ten out of ten. I highly recommend Oral Surgery Services."
"Hi, I'm Al from Chalmette. I came to see Dr. Ferguson for a dental implant. When I first walked in, it was amazing. I found the staff here to be very helpful and friendly. Dr. Ferguson, he was like an old friend to me and he explained everything, all the procedures to me about the implants. The procedure went very good, better than I thought, and the outcome is fantastic. My quality of life is fantastic, and now I just feel more confident in myself. To all my family and friends in Laplace, I would highly recommend Dr. Ferguson."
"Hi, I'm Alex from Kenner, and I went to Oral Surgery Services to get my wisdom teeth removed. When I first walked into this practice, I was greeted with nice smiles and good scenery. Everybody made me feel comfortable. I knew I was in good hands. Dr. Ferguson was a very nice man who made sure I felt safe. My procedure went so well. My recovery went very smoothly and within due time I was fine. It feels great to have a beautiful, healthy smile, all because of Dr. Ferguson. My overall experience at Oral Surgery Services was very nice. Everybody was super kind and friendly and the surgery was perfect. All my friends and family and Estelle, I highly recommend Oral Surgery Services."
"My name’s Alicia, I live in New Orleans, and I came to OSS for extractions and bone grafting. The overall experience was just very pleasant. The environment is very calm and warm and welcoming. Everybody was really helpful. I felt safe, which is really important to me. Dr. Smith was very transparent. He made me feel very comfortable. My recovery was just as I expected, just as the doctor told me it was going to be. It was very quick. It was so smooth, I didn’t even know it happened. I would one hundred percent recommend OSS to anyone in New Orleans or Jefferson Parish."
"My name is Amy, and I am from Metairie, Louisiana. My son was here for services with Dr. Ferguson. Our orthodontist found that his wisdom teeth were coming in at a severe angle — all four — and she referred us to Dr. Ferguson for that extraction. Dr. Ferguson is an ultimate professional. He made us extremely comfortable from the first meeting. The staff here is professional and very efficient. My son’s surgery went extremely well, and recovery went very well, actually a little better than I was expecting. Overall, my family had an exceptional experience here. For my family and friends in Metairie, I would highly recommend OSS."
"Hi, I'm Anne from New Orleans. I am a parent of a wisdom tooth patient, and we came to Oral Surgery Services. The staff was wonderful from the word go from the beginning. We saw Dr. Ferguson, and he was absolutely fantastic. Dr. Ferguson is incredibly personable he is on top of his game. The procedure for our son went incredibly well and it's been perfect ever since. It was a very great experience. I highly recommend oral surgery services."
"My name is Ashley. I live in Kenner, Louisiana, and I had a tooth extraction. I had two surgeries on my jaw to remove abscesses, and I had an implant placed so that I could ultimately get a permanent tooth. Everything went great, I’ve now got the permanent tooth, and I have had zero problems with it — it’s been great, and I absolutely have no worries about it for the future ever having any problems with it again. Oh, when I first came in to meet everyone, it was amazing. I walked in the door, I was greeted immediately, I was comfortable. Dr. Ferguson is an excellent, excellent surgeon and a wonderful human being — the way he treated me, and he just genuinely cares about his patients. Dr. Ferguson and his team made me feel like family here. I had a great experience here, and I would highly recommend Oral Surgery Services."
Tooth Extraction—Gretna, Metairie, and New Orleans, LA
Our team at Oral Surgery Services is here to support and guide you through each step of your oral surgery care. Dr. Smith, Dr. Ferguson, and Dr. Chuang offer many types of anesthesia to make your tooth extraction experience comfortable and positive. If you have a tooth that is badly damaged, infected, or causing severe pain, we encourage you to contact our office for an evaluation. Dr. Smith, Dr. Ferguson, and Dr. Chuang will outline all of your treatment options and help determine the right course of action for your needs.