Why Extractions May Be Necessary
While our goal is always to preserve your natural teeth, there are situations where an extraction is the best option for your oral health. Removing a problematic tooth can prevent infection, relieve pain, and prevent future complications.
Common reasons for extraction include:
- Severe decay or damage that cannot be repaired with a crown or filling
- Advanced gum disease that has weakened tooth support
- Failed root canal treatment
- Preparation for orthodontic alignment or a dental implant
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or signs of infection, it’s important to have your tooth evaluated promptly so we can recommend the most comfortable, effective solution.
Our Gentle Extraction Process
Many patients feel anxious when they hear “extraction,” but our team takes every step to ensure your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
We start with a comprehensive examination, using advanced imaging like 3D cone beam CT scans to get a complete picture of your tooth’s position and surrounding bone. This technology lets us precisely plan your procedure, minimizing trauma to nearby tissues.
For your comfort, we offer:
- Local anesthesia to numb the area completely
- Sedation options for patients with dental anxiety
- Minimally invasive extraction techniques to reduce healing time
- A caring, supportive team by your side throughout the process
Bone Regeneration After Extraction
When a tooth is removed, the bone that once supported it naturally shrinks. This bone loss can make it more difficult to place dental implants in the future and may affect the shape of your jaw and smile.
Bone regeneration, also called socket preservation, is a technique we use to protect and rebuild bone after an extraction. By placing bone graft material into the empty socket, we encourage your body to form new, healthy bone in that area.
Techniques We Use
Our approach to bone regeneration is customized to your unique needs. Some of the methods we may recommend include:
- Socket preservation grafting using safe, biocompatible materials
- Guided tissue regeneration to direct healing and protect the graft site
- Collagen membranes to support new bone growth
By combining these advanced techniques, we help maintain the natural contours of your jaw and improve your options for future restorative treatment.
Biological Extraction of Root Canal-Treated Teeth
Root canal-treated teeth can sometimes harbor lingering infection or become sources of chronic inflammation, even years after treatment. For patients following a holistic or biological dental philosophy, removing these teeth may support better overall health.
At Top Down Dental, we offer biological extractions for teeth that have previously undergone root canal therapy but are no longer serving your health. This approach emphasizes gentle, thorough removal of the tooth and surrounding periodontal ligament to reduce the risk of lingering bacteria or toxins in the area.
To further support healing and minimize systemic impact, we may incorporate:
- Ozone therapy to disinfect the site naturally
- Biocompatible materials to aid in bone healing and future restoration options
We recognize the connection between oral and whole-body health and take extra steps to ensure that each extraction is performed with this in mind. If you’ve had a root canal in the past and are experiencing discomfort or unexplained symptoms or are exploring biological dental care, we’re here to guide you through your options with compassion and clarity.
Benefits of Combining Extraction & Bone Regeneration
Completing bone regeneration at the time of extraction offers many advantages for your oral health and comfort.
Patients often experience:
- Better preservation of bone volume and shape
- Reduced risk of complications when placing future dental implants
- Enhanced long-term function and appearance of their smile
- Faster, more predictable healing
This proactive approach saves time and reduces the need for additional procedures later.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Your first step will be a thorough consultation with Dr. Nancy Nehawandian, during which we will review your symptoms, dental history, and treatment goals.
During your visit, we will:
- Take digital X-rays or 3D scans for precise diagnosis
- Discuss your treatment options in detail, including sedation choices
- Create a customized care plan for your extraction and bone regeneration
- Provide clear pre- and post-procedure instructions to ensure smooth recovery
After your procedure, our team will follow up with you to monitor your healing and answer any questions you have.
Trust the Los Gatos Team for Advanced Care
At Top Down Dental, we approach extractions and bone regeneration with the same commitment to patient comfort, precision, and long-term results that we bring to all our services. We believe in taking the time to explain your treatment, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way.
By combining advanced technology, minimally invasive techniques, and a whole-health approach, we help you maintain not only your smile but also your overall well-being.
You can learn more about our approach to restorative dentistry and dental implants to see how bone regeneration fits into your long-term treatment plan.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’ve been told you need a tooth removed, or if you’re interested in preserving your jawbone after extraction, our Los Gatos dental team is here to help. We’ll ensure your treatment is as comfortable as possible and designed with your future smile in mind.
Call our office today at (408) 354-5600 or click the button below to schedule your consultation. The sooner we begin planning your treatment, the better we can protect your oral health for years to come.