Tooth Extractions

You and Dr. Farren or Dr. Kirkwood may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Drs. Farren or Kirkwood will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth.

The Tooth Extraction Process

At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.

During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

Sectioning a Tooth

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

After Tooth Extraction

For details on home care after tooth extraction, see the page “After Extractions” under “Surgical Instructions”.

Great Oak Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center

5 out of 5 stars based on 31 Tooth Extractions reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Exceptional dental practice.

- Cathy H

5 out of 5 stars by Cathy H on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Farren explained the procedure before the surgery and his staff reassured me so I was totally relaxed. The office staff are friendly and courteous. I highly recommend and if I need any future procedures, I will go back to Dr. Farren

- Victor F

5 out of 5 stars by Victor F on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Very professional office. Dr Kirkwood is excellent.

- Art H

5 out of 5 stars by Art H on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I can't thank Dr Kirkwood and the staff enough over my recent tooth extraction. To say I was anxious is putting it mildly. Dr Kirkwood showed empathy and put my fears to rest. He was kind, informative, pleasant and I had no pain or discomfort following the procedure. In addition, his front end staff was great and assisted me in getting clearance from my doctor which seemed to take forever. Likewise Nicole was so lovely and kind as was the nurse who put in my IV. Everyone I encountered was wonderful- when I go back for my implant in 4 months I won't nearly be as nervous. Recommend 100%. Thank you all!

- Patti H

5 out of 5 stars by Patti H on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I wanted to take a minute and say Thank you for our experience at your office. From the initial visit to the procedure, my son was handled with the best care. Your staff was always friendly and made accommodations so that my son received the best care. Yesterday after his extraction, he asked to go back to your office because you all were so nice to him - from Dr. Kirkwood to the whole staff. Thank you for making a stressful thing much smoother. As a Mom, I appreciate that very much,

- Anne K

5 out of 5 stars by Anne K on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I would highly recommend this office for oral surgery. They got me in quickly for removal of a fractured tooth diagnosed by my regular dentist. The staff is amazing and Dr. Kirkland and his assistant were just great. They took time to explain every step and Dr Kirkland called to see how I was doing later that day! I had no pain, no swelling or any problems after surgery. If you have to have oral surgery this is the place to go!.

- Debbie L

5 out of 5 stars by Debbie L on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Farren and his staff: Hillary, Anna, Adriana and front desk girls were amazing in all aspects in my treatment. Like I wrote above exceed my expectations. Great work, extraordinary care! Thank you very much!

- Yaroslav T

5 out of 5 stars by Yaroslav T on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Easy painless procedure and very friendly staff.

- Jenn L

5 out of 5 stars by Jenn L on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My family and I had met with a couple oral surgeons in the area when my son’s orthodontist told us my son would need to get his one tooth extracted. Being my son is 9 and this is his first experience with surgery I especially wanted someone who both my son and I felt comfortable with. After not getting a good vibe from the other surgeons, we scheduled a consultation with Dr. Farren. The minute we left his office, both my son and I knew he was the right man for the job. Dr. Farren and his staff are beyond amazing. They are so sweet and friendly and were so caring and kind to my son (especially McKenzie and Hillary-THANK YOU!!!) . Their “bedside” manner and the way they helped him feel at ease the day of his surgery helped to make an unpleasant situation more enjoyable, or as enjoyable as oral surgery can be! I cannot say enough good things about the team at Great Oaks and will refer them to anyone needing an oral surgeon. I would especially recommend them to parents of younger children. Being 9 he is inquisitive and wants to ask all the questions and know all the things. Dr. Farren and his staff were fantastic and were able to provide him with details and information about his procedure without adding to his nervousness. Thank you for everything Great Oaks! We appreciate you!.

- Sarah C

5 out of 5 stars by Sarah C on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Had major procedure with extremely easy recovery. Pain was short-lived and at a minimum. Super friendly staff all around!

- Steve D

5 out of 5 stars by Steve D on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My experience with Dr. Farren and his staff was wonderful. I was nervous going into the office, but they calmed my nerves and performed a totally painless extraction. Dr Farren clearly and calmly explained everything he was doing as the procedure was performed and made sure I was aware of expectations and procedures post surgery. In the quiet time, while waiting to leave, Adriana was fun to talk to, keeping me upbeat. All I can say is Dr Farren and staff are the best. I totally wasted a worry!

- Diane H

5 out of 5 stars by Diane H on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

My entire experience with Great Oaks was as pleasurable as dental surgery could be. Any anxiety was alleviated by the performance of all the staff, from the front office to the surgical assistants to Dr. warren himself.

- James P

5 out of 5 stars by James P on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I had two extractions on Friday, 1/6. Leading up, I was terribly anxious never having had an extraction, concerned with the procedure itself, and the post-experience. After pleasantly greeted and roomed by Hillary, I was immediately calmed by explaining what to expect the entire visit and answering all my questions thoroughly. McKenzie joined us and we chatted about running (I am a runner, too) and laughed a bit (the nitrous helped!) When Dr. Farren entered the room, he, too, put me at ease. The procedure was underwhelming in that there was literally no discomfort, pressure, or unusual sounds. Hillary was beside me rubbing my arm to further comfort me at what I assume was some "wiggling" to loosen the tooth. Again, would never have known, though! To my surprise, it took minutes to complete both extractions and was walking out the door just over an hour after arriving. My worry about post procedure was for nothing. I experienced no pain/discomfort, swelling, or bruising. I followed all the post instructions and have had no complications. I had one minor concern two weeks post, but after speaking with Melissa, was nothing to speak of. I have been telling people that I felt as though I was visiting friends and just happened to have two teeth extracted. Extraordinary staff! I have been sharing my positive experience with all those who may require oral surgery procedures. Thank you all! Especially, Hillary, McKenzie, Dr. Farren, and Melissa. Best- Marc Secor

- Marc S

5 out of 5 stars by Marc S on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I would highly recommend Dr. Seth and his staff for any dental proceedure. Everybody in this office is very kind, caring, considerate and efficient everything you could for.

- Debbie C

5 out of 5 stars by Debbie C on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I can't say enough about this practice. They are top notch, professional, kind, and understanding. Dr. Farren is easy to talk to, cares about a patient in pain, and is honest and forthright in his opinion on your care treatment plan. He cares about his patients and their outcome. His staff is is knowledgeable and make you feel comfortable. I will most certainly return to Dr. Farren in the future should a need arise. Highly recommend.

- Colleen T

5 out of 5 stars by Colleen T on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I can go on and on but I’ll keep it short. My dentist referred me to the practice, I was in so much pain the front staff was extremely kind and understood the emergent care I needed. I was set up for a ER appt where I meant with the assistant and then with Dr. Farren who explained everything that he needed to do. I then sat with the Practice Manager to go over the financial portion. Dr Farren did the extraction the same day the entire experience was painless. Not to mention I have high anxiety and I couldn’t have felt more at ease in this amazing office. I would recommend them 1000x.

- Mary V

5 out of 5 stars by Mary V on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Overall was a great experience

- Suzanne M

5 out of 5 stars by Suzanne M on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Recently, I was experiencing pain my lower jaw and was referred to Dr. Farren. Dr. Farren explained that a root fracture was the cause of this pain and that extraction would be the only effective treatment. He was very thorough in explaining what the process would be and what to expect during and following the procedure. A short time after that meeting, Dr. Farren extracted that tooth. The extraction was painless, and the recovery went as expected. At my follow up visit, Dr. Farren determined that the bone loss caused from the initial root fracture had impacted an adjacent tooth to the extent that it too had to be extracted. Again, Dr. Farren was a very skilled professional and the process was painless and uneventful. Also, surgical assistant Megan was involved in both procedures. She was very helpful, compassionate and caring. Her kindness made both visits very comfortable. My experience at Great Oak Oral Surgery was very positive.

- David M

5 out of 5 stars by David M on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Dr. Farren and his staff are simply THE BEST!!! His Nurse, McKenzie and Surgical Assistant, Hillary are my favs! They all possess a great sense of humor and all are expert at what they do. You just can't find a better Oral Surgeon and staff. BRAVO!!!!!

- Jacqueline B

5 out of 5 stars by Jacqueline B on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

This office is beyond professional and friendly. From the moment you walk into the door they make you feel at ease. Having any type of dental work isn’t very pleasant they sure know how to make you feel comfortable. Thank you Dr Farren and your staff

- Allyson C

5 out of 5 stars by Allyson C on