Expert Tooth Extractions in Minnetonka, MN

Why Patients Choose Wise Decision for Tooth Extractions

Patients choose Wise Decision for a tooth extraction in Minnetonka because we combine deep surgical expertise with genuine care. Our surgeons — Dr. Kirby Johnson and Dr. James Q. Swift — are both board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with advanced training from the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota. And if you need sedation, our Category 1 Anesthesia Facility means you receive hospital-quality care in a comfortable private practice setting. Our double board-certified anesthesiologist is on-site as well, so there are two board-certified doctors in the operatory with you at all times. We accept most major dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Our surgical services are led by these specialists who make sure you feel supported before, during, and after your procedure. Ready to feel confident about your extraction? Call us at (952) 952-1100 to schedule your consultation.

Alleviate Discomfort & Improve Oral Health

At Wise Decision, we like to think of ourselves as tooth extraction experts. Tooth extractions are necessary for a variety of reasons. We are dedicated to improving oral health care by providing services that work in tandem with orthodontic treatments and set our patients up for long-term optimal oral health. We focus on tooth extractions for our younger patients, and for patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Dr. Johnson and Dr. Swift have over 30 years of experience performing extractions for patients of all ages. The experience is very similar to an ambulatory surgery centre, without the cost. Whether your child needs a damaged primary tooth pulled or a tooth removed to optimise orthodontic treatment, we are here to help. Contact our practice in Minnetonka, MN today to set up a consultation and discover how we can guide you toward a more beautiful smile.

When a Tooth Extraction May Be Necessary

Tooth extraction may be recommended for several reasons. Severe decay that cannot be restored with a filling or crown, advanced gum disease that has loosened the tooth, infection that threatens surrounding teeth and bone, a cracked or fractured tooth below the gum line, or crowding that interferes with orthodontic treatment. In each case, removing the tooth helps protect your overall oral health.

Pediatric Tooth Extractions

Pediatric tooth extractions are necessary when a primary tooth, commonly referred to as a baby tooth, is severely damaged or infected and must be removed. Let us face it, our kids are prone to accidents, whether it is tripping on the playground or falling off a bike. They are resilient and can often get up, wipe their wounds, and continue on with their fun. But if a tooth is damaged, they can experience issues including pain or infection.

Children are susceptible to cavities because of their often less-than-ideal oral hygiene habits. While dentists can often address this issue, sometimes a baby tooth becomes so decayed that it is past the point of repair.

In both of these cases, a pediatric tooth extraction is necessary to protect the remaining teeth and the underlying adult teeth, and to prevent future complications.

Wise Decision is specifically designed to take care of pediatric patients, featuring experienced oral surgeons and pediatric anesthesiologists in a facility that meets Category 1 anesthesia standards. We offer this service at a significantly lower cost compared to ambulatory surgery centres.

Orthodontic Tooth Extractions

If a candidate for orthodontic treatment has extra teeth, or not enough room for all of their teeth, which creates severe overcrowding, an orthodontic tooth extraction may be recommended. It is important to note that orthodontists will explore other routes of treatment before deciding on this option. However, there are a few reasons why an orthodontist may ultimately decide a tooth extraction is necessary. They may be performed before or during orthodontic treatment.

While orthodontic tooth extractions are not necessary for orthodontic treatment, they may be effective for patients who:

• Have a tooth that is too large for their mouth.
• Have a tooth growing in the wrong direction.
• Have a sore, painful, or sensitive tooth.
• Have teeth that will not benefit from braces unless the extraction is performed.
• Have a discoloured, chipped, cracked, or damaged tooth.

Typically, the teeth removed in an orthodontic tooth extraction are the premolars, although this is dependent on the patient's unique case.

What to Expect During Your Extraction Appointment

Before Your Procedure

Before your extraction, you’ll have a consultation with one of our surgeons. We’ll review your health history, take a 3D image if needed, and discuss your anesthesia options. If you choose sedation, you’ll receive care in our Category 1 facility with a double board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist on site. Learn more about our anesthesia options.

The Extraction Procedure

Depending on the complexity, your extraction may be simple or surgical. A simple extraction involves loosening and removing a visible tooth. A surgical extraction is needed for teeth that are broken below the gum or not fully erupted. In either case, your surgeon will ensure you are comfortable and numb before beginning. Most procedures are completed in under an hour.

After your oral health and the condition necessitating the extraction are fully assessed, your surgeon will administer anesthesia. Typically local anesthesia is used, but depending on the complexity of the procedure or the patient's level of dental anxiety, IV sedation may be administered by a double board-certified physician anesthesiologist to create a more comfortable experience.

For Pediatric Tooth Extractions

During the procedure, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Swift will carefully remove the affected tooth with small tools designed for pediatric mouths. They will also assess the surrounding bone to ensure there is no damage. Following the extraction, gauze is applied to the surgical site and sutures may be applied. To ensure there is enough room for permanent teeth to erupt properly, a space maintainer will be used to keep surrounding teeth in their proper positions and prevent shifting.

For Orthodontic Tooth Extractions

After the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Swift will remove the tooth. Following the extraction, stitches will be applied to the hole. These sutures will either dissolve on their own or be removed by your doctor at a follow-up appointment. You may be given a syringe to flush out the hole on occasion to ensure it does not accumulate any debris. Unlike a traditional tooth extraction, the hole will not have a space retainer or bone graft applied. Since the tooth was removed to make room for more teeth, your orthodontist will closely monitor your remaining teeth to ensure they shift into the empty space correctly.

Recovery and Aftercare

Make sure your child rests and avoids strenuous activity for a few days. They should avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or sticky foods to avoid any complications in recovery and take over-the-counter pain medication to treat any discomfort experienced. If directed by Dr. Johnson or Dr. Swift, they should gently swish warm salt water or, if provided, an antiseptic in their mouth. If they were provided a syringe to remove debris from the hole, be sure to use it as directed. Because the mouth is one of the fastest healing parts of the body, you can expect to return to normal activities within a few days.

Types of Anesthesia

Depending on your procedure, you will receive one of the following forms of anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Our sedation and anesthesia options are explained in full during your consultation.

• Local — numbs the surgical site while you stay fully awake.
• Nitrous oxide — light inhaled sedation that keeps you relaxed and aware.
• Intravenous (IV) — deeper sedation delivered and monitored by a double board-certified physician anesthesiologist.
• General anesthesia — full sleep for the most complex cases or highest anxiety, in our Category 1 Anesthesia Facility.

Tooth Extraction vs. Other Treatment Options

While pediatric extractions focus on children and adolescents, adult tooth extraction addresses non-wisdom tooth issues in grown patients. Here’s how they compare:

If you need a tooth extraction in Minnetonka, trust the specialists at Wise Decision. For pediatric patients, visit our pediatric tooth extractions page.