Tooth Extraction
Gentle Care for Your Smile
Nobody wants to have a tooth pulled, but sometimes it’s the best way to prevent further damage. At our practice in Malone, NY, Dr. Kevin Poupore uses advanced extraction techniques and pain management strategies to help patients enjoy improved oral health based on your individual needs.
Dr. Poupore has patients who travel from all around the area to visit him, including visitors from Potsdam, Massena, Chateaugay, Norwood, Norfolk, and Akwesasne.
Tooth Extraction:
Questions & Answers
When is tooth extraction necessary?
Having a tooth pulled isn’t something that most people look forward to, but in some cases, it can be the best choice for treating a serious issue, preventing future problems, and maintaining optimal oral health.
Wisdom tooth extractions are among the most common extractions, but teeth may also be pulled when they become too badly damaged to be restored, such as when a tooth is extensively decayed, fractured, or broken off below the gum line.
Teeth can also be pulled to avoid overcrowding or if they’re impacted or “stuck” under neighboring teeth. Dr. Poupore will recommend extraction when it’s the best option for your health.
How are extractions performed?
That depends on the location of the tooth and the reason for extraction. Simple extractions are performed using special tools to lift or elevate the tooth from the socket without the need for making incisions into the gum tissue.
More complex extractions including wisdom tooth removal typically require incisions into the gum to make it easier to access the entire tooth root.
In some cases, a small amount of bone may also need to be removed during the procedure. Complex extractions are performed using sedation to prevent discomfort and enable the patient to doze throughout the procedure.
Should I have my wisdom teeth pulled?
In nearly all cases, the answer is yes. Since they’re the last teeth to erupt, wisdom teeth often come in sideways or become impacted under neighboring teeth. In these cases, they can pose an immediate threat to other teeth, and they need to be extracted to prevent additional problems from developing.
But even when a wisdom tooth comes in perfectly straight, its location at the back of the jaw makes it an ideal harbor for decay- and disease-causing bacteria. In these cases, extraction is usually recommended to prevent complications such as cavities, gum disease, and even additional tooth loss from occurring in the future.