Extractionsin Lakeville
At Downtown Dental, preserving your natural teeth is always the first priority. But when a tooth is too damaged or infected to be predictably restored, an extraction may be the best next step for your health. Dr. Brian Harrison approaches extractions with clinical precision and a deep respect for your comfort and trust. If your case is more complex, we’ll coordinate care with a trusted local specialist—ensuring you receive the highest level of care every step of the way.
Why might I need an extraction?
While fillings, crowns, and root canals are often effective at saving a compromised tooth, there are times when extraction is the clearest path forward. This might include advanced decay, a fracture below the gumline, severe infection, or crowding that affects your bite and long-term health.
Dr. Harrison will never recommend an extraction lightly. He’ll show you exactly what he’s seeing, explain why restoration may no longer be the best option, and make sure you feel informed, supported, and empowered to make the right decision for your health. If your extraction requires more advanced care—such as impacted wisdom teeth or surgical removal—we’ll partner with a trusted oral surgeon to ensure you’re in expert hands.
The Benefits of Dental Extractions
Relieves Pain
An infected or non-restorable tooth can affect more than just your mouth—it can impact your whole-body health. Removing the source of pain provides relief and creates space for healing.
Protects Surrounding Teeth
Extracting a severely compromised tooth can help prevent bacteria or infection from spreading to nearby healthy teeth and tissues.
Supports Long-Term Planning
If a replacement is needed (like a bridge or implant), Dr. Harrison will help you plan for that early—so you feel confident in both the short- and long-term roadmap for your smile.
Our Difference
Nitrous Sedation
We know extractions can feel scary, so let’s take the fear out of your treatment. Nitrous sedation can mitigate your anxiety and keep you calm during your procedure. Ask about sedation and we’ll help find a solution that works for you.
Get To The Root Of The Problem
With digital x-rays, we get high-resolution images of your teeth that allow us to make more accurate diagnoses. When you’re in pain or experiencing an emergency, we can see why the tooth is reacting and if an extraction is needed.
The Extraction Process
Evaluation & Imaging
We begin with a thorough exam and digital imaging to assess the health of the tooth and surrounding bone. Dr. Harrison will explain the findings in clear terms, answer your questions, and walk you through all options—including any alternatives to removal, if appropriate. If the case is more complex, we’ll collaborate with a specialist and coordinate referrals to make the process seamless.
Comfortable, Gentle Extraction
If extraction is the best course of action, Dr. Harrison will use local anesthesia and gentle techniques to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure. His approach is precise and efficient—always focused on preserving surrounding tissue and minimizing recovery time. You’ll be supported by a caring team that checks in at every step.
Healing Guidance & Next Steps
Once the tooth is removed, we’ll provide personalized aftercare instructions to support proper healing. Dr. Harrison will also walk you through any recommended follow-up—whether that’s monitoring the site, planning for a replacement tooth, or connecting you with a specialist if future care is needed. His goal is always to guide you with honesty and clarity, not pressure.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Only if it’s truly in your best interest. Dr. Harrison is deeply committed to conservative dentistry, which means exploring all viable restorative options before considering removal. He'll take the time to explain his reasoning, show you images of what he sees, and walk through alternative treatments when available. If the tooth can be saved, that’s almost always the path we’ll take first.
If a tooth is impacted, broken below the gumline, or in close proximity to a nerve or sinus cavity, Dr. Harrison may recommend seeing a local oral surgeon. We partner closely with a trusted network of specialists in the Lakeville area and will make sure your care is seamless and well-communicated. You’ll never feel like you’re navigating that decision alone.
During the procedure, we’ll ensure you're fully numb using local anesthesia. Dr. Harrison uses gentle, efficient techniques to keep the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Afterward, some soreness is normal, but we’ll give you detailed home care instructions and check in with you to make sure you’re healing well.
Most patients feel significantly better within a few days, though full healing beneath the surface takes longer. Dr. Harrison and our team will guide you through the recovery process and let you know exactly what to expect. If any concerns come up, we’re just a phone call away.
