Extractions and Bone Grafting

Sometimes a tooth cannot be preserved despite every effort to restore it. Severe decay, advanced infection, trauma, or significant damage may make extraction the healthiest option for protecting your oral health. At Beachside Dental, we perform tooth extractions with precision and compassion while prioritizing your comfort throughout the entire process.
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When appropriate, we may also recommend bone grafting to help preserve the strength and structure of your jaw following tooth removal.

When Are Tooth Extractions Necessary?

Although preserving natural teeth is always our priority, certain situations may require removal to prevent further complications.

Teeth may need to be extracted for several reasons, including:

• Severe tooth decay that cannot be restored
• Advanced periodontal disease
• Extensive fractures or damage beyond repair
• Dental infections that do not respond to treatment
• Impacted or poorly positioned teeth
• Preparing for orthodontic or restorative treatment

Whenever possible, our team will discuss all available treatment options before recommending an extraction. If removal is necessary, we will also review solutions for replacing the tooth to maintain proper oral function and alignment.

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?

Before treatment begins, we will perform a comprehensive examination and take any necessary digital images to evaluate the tooth and surrounding structures. A local anesthetic is then administered to numb the area and maximize comfort.

During the procedure, you may feel gentle pressure as the tooth is loosened and removed, but you should not experience pain. In some cases, a tooth with curved roots or extensive damage may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal.

Once the tooth has been extracted, the area is carefully cleaned and prepared for healing.

What Is Bone Grafting?

After a tooth is removed, the jawbone in that area naturally begins to shrink. Bone grafting is a procedure designed to preserve or rebuild bone following tooth loss, helping maintain the natural contours of your jaw and supporting future restorative treatment.

During bone grafting, specialized grafting material is placed into the extraction site to encourage new bone growth and preserve bone volume. This procedure is often recommended for patients considering dental implants in the future.

Bone grafting offers several important benefits:

• Preserves jawbone structure after tooth loss
• Supports future dental implant placement
• Helps maintain facial appearance
• Encourages healthy bone regeneration
• Provides a stable foundation for future restorations

Care Instructions After Treatment

Proper aftercare is essential for successful healing following an extraction or bone grafting procedure.

To promote recovery, we recommend:

• Biting on gauze as directed to control bleeding
• Avoiding smoking, straws, and vigorous rinsing for several days
• Applying ice packs to minimize swelling
• Taking prescribed medications exactly as instructed
• Eating soft foods during the healing period
• Maintaining good oral hygiene while avoiding the surgical area initially

If you experience severe discomfort, prolonged bleeding, or unusual swelling, please contact our office promptly.