One of the main goals of modern dentistry is the prevention of tooth loss. All possible measures should be taken to preserve and maintain your teeth because the loss of a single tooth can have a major impact upon your dental health and appearance. However, it is still sometimes necessary to remove a tooth. Here are some of the reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted.

There are certain risks associated with any surgery. Pain, bleeding, permanent numbness, broken root tips and bone are several of the possible risks. Dr. Goodman will explain any associated risks prior to surgery but it is important that you realize that though we take every possible precaution to reduce these risks, you either accept the possiblility of the risks or you may elect not to have the surgery.

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, do not always erupt properly when they decide to make an appearance. It's wise to get an early opinion on getting wisdom teeth pulled before they cause pain, swelling, infection, caries and gum disease.

The shape of the modern human mouth is often too small to accommodate wisdom teeth which make their first appearance in young adults 17 to 26. The late teens to early twenties is the best time to remove wisdom teeth.

Generally, when one or two wisdom teeth are to be removed, Dr. Goodman can do this in his office. However, it is normally recommended that all four be removed at once. This is best done by an oral surgeon, who can sedate you so you will be unaware of the procedure. He is also specially trained and skilled to handle multiple difficult extractions. Generally we will recommend a surgeon in the area that we have worked with in the past.

If you've just had a tooth extracted or Dr. Goodman recommends that a tooth be extracted, the following information will help you get through the first few days after your extraction. Should anything occur that seems out of the normal, do not hesitate to call.