Tooth Extractions in Red Bank, NJ
Preserving your natural teeth is always our first goal at The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine. In some situations, though, tooth extraction becomes the most effective way to maintain oral health and function. Because Dr. Glenn A. MacFarlane takes your whole health seriously, he will recommend what he considers best for your overall well-being.
What it is
Careful removal of a tooth that cannot be saved, carried out in a way that protects the surrounding bone and tissue.
Who it's for
Anyone facing severe infection, decay beyond repair, impacted wisdom teeth, or crowding that affects oral health.
Our approach
With your comfort in mind, Dr. MacFarlane plans safe, precise extractions using 3D imaging and advanced techniques.
Worried a tooth might need to come out? Schedule a consultation with Dr. MacFarlane today.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
A tooth extraction can be called for by many different conditions, and Dr. MacFarlane has extensive experience extracting teeth that cannot be saved. For more demanding extractions, he uses 3D imaging to see vital landmarks such as the sinuses, other teeth, and nerves when needed.
Common Reasons for Extraction
- Severe infection that has destroyed the tooth and its supporting bone structure
- Decay so advanced that successful restoration of the tooth is impossible
- Wisdom teeth with no room to fit properly, leading to crowding in the mouth
- Teeth that block other teeth from coming in or leave no space for orthodontic treatment
What We Evaluate
- How far the decay or infection has spread and whether the tooth can be restored
- Where the tooth sits and how it relates to surrounding structures
- The state of your overall oral and systemic health
- Precise planning guided by 3D imaging of sinuses, nerves, and adjacent teeth
- Whether your extraction will be simple or surgical in nature
When to contact us: Severe tooth pain, swelling, signs of infection, or a tooth that has been broken or knocked out.
Call 911 if you have uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, or swelling that affects your ability to swallow.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Tooth extractions call for great care and skill, and Dr. MacFarlane pairs local anesthesia with gentle technique and post-procedure support to keep your experience as comfortable as possible. To begin, a local anesthetic numbs the area where the tooth will be removed. After the tooth is out, the area may be sealed with dissolvable or removable stitches. The dissolvable kind break down over time on their own. If removable stitches are used, your dentist will decide when they should be taken out.
For more complex cases such as impacted wisdom teeth or teeth with curved roots, Dr. MacFarlane may take a surgical approach. Sedation options are available to help anxious patients stay relaxed throughout the procedure.
Facing a tooth that needs to come out? Contact our Red Bank office to schedule your visit.
Post-Surgical Care
You will leave with detailed post-treatment care instructions. In the hours after surgery, plan to relax, keep gauze pads over the area and replace them regularly, take painkillers as prescribed, and stick to soft foods until the area is healed.
Avoid the following, since each one can delay healing and prolong your recovery time:
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Using a straw, since suction can dislodge the blood clot
- Strenuous physical activity during the first 24-48 hours
- Poking the extraction area with your fingers or tongue
- Lying flat, so keep your head elevated while resting
Within a day or two, most patients feel comfortable returning to normal activities. For the smoothest recovery, follow Dr. MacFarlane's instructions closely.
Tooth Replacement Options
To restore your healthy smile and function, the removed tooth may be replaced. Highly successful, tooth extractions also help stop infection from spreading throughout the mouth. Dr. MacFarlane will go over these replacement options with you:
Implants & Bridges
- Dental implant: A biocompatible root replacement crowned on top, giving a permanent, natural-looking solution
- Dental bridge: A fixed restoration that bridges the gap, drawing support from the adjacent teeth
- Either option restores full chewing ability and helps maintain facial structure
Dentures & Other Solutions
- Denture: A removable appliance designed to replace one or more missing teeth
- Implant-retained dentures pair the stability of implants with the coverage of dentures
- Dr. MacFarlane will help you settle on the option that best fits your needs, health, and budget
What to Expect at Your Visit
Visit Steps
- Evaluation: Dr. MacFarlane examines the tooth, looks over 3D imaging, and talks through your options
- Preparation: For your comfort, local anesthesia is administered, along with sedation if desired
- Extraction: Using precise, gentle techniques, the tooth is carefully removed
- Site preservation: The area is cleaned and, if an implant is planned, may be packed with bone graft material
- Follow-up: You leave with detailed aftercare instructions, and a follow-up appointment is scheduled
Good to Know
- Most simple extractions are finished in just 20-40 minutes
- Sedation options are on hand for anxious patients
- If sedation is used, arrange for someone to drive you home
- Before your appointment, stock up on soft foods so you are ready for recovery
- Tooth replacement options will be discussed before or at the time of your extraction
Ready to move forward? Contact our team to schedule your extraction consultation in Red Bank, NJ.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tooth that needs attention should not wait. Schedule your extraction consultation at The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine in Red Bank, NJ.