Tooth & Wisdom Removal Procedure

If you require removal of one or more teeth, we believe you deserve a dental extraction experience that is expertly performed and gentle. Both Doctors Stephen Malone and Michael Costa have many years of experience doing this, so rarely are patients in need of going to an oral surgeon. Even wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure in our Knoxville, TN office.

Because our focus is on you, procedures and conversations are never hurried. Gentleness goes hand in hand with taking time to carefully remove teeth in the way that puts the least strain on your jaw and causes the least post-operative inflammation. And, equipped with today’s modern dental techniques and materials, effective local numbing agents, and methods that help speed your healing and recovery process, our dentists can remove your teeth with minimal pain and less time recovering, for which post-operative treatment rarely requires more than a simple over-the-counter pain reliever.

Should your tooth be removed?

Ideally, we would love for all of our patients to keep all of their adult teeth for their lifetime. However, injuries, accidents, and decay all occur and sometimes a tooth becomes so damaged that it cannot be saved. Extraction might be necessary, for example, if decay has progressed beyond the surface of the tooth and down to the root, or if a tooth has broken too significantly to repair. After removal of the damaged tooth, a bridge or implant-retained crown can be used to fill the gap.

In addition, the natural way that your teeth grown in may lead to the need for extractions as adult teeth emerge–in particular, this is very common with wisdom teeth. If your jaw does not have sufficient room for all of the adult teeth to grow in, some teeth will begin to erupt at an angle instead of coming in straight, which can lead to pain and overcrowding, causing the other teeth to shift in place in the mouth. In these cases, adjusting the bite and spacing of the teeth might be possible with orthodontics, but in other cases, the crowding is too severe and removal of the teeth is advised. In addition, sometimes adult teeth are unable to erupt through the gums and become stuck underneath the bone, which places pressure on the tooth roots of the neighboring teeth and can cause pain and other oral health issues.

When this occurs, it is called an “impacted” tooth and it is typically recommended that the tooth be removed.

This is very common in wisdom teeth (third molars), which are not required for normal eating and speaking function.

After examining your oral health circumstance, our dentists will be able to tell you if dental extraction is an appropriate treatment option to meet your oral health circumstances. If there are alternative treatments to restore health and improve the quality of your life, we will discuss these with you. We’ll take the time to ensure you are fully informed and able to make the best decisions for yourself.

Options for Teeth Removal

If removal is indicated and you agree to treatment, our 3D Cone Beam CT imaging will enable our doctors to see the exact position of the tooth’s roots and to plan removal in precise detail to both minimize impact on bone and sensitive gum tissues and ensure your experience is optimal.

There are three treatment options our doctors often recommend when teeth are extracted. One is the addition of osseous material in the vacated root sockets for bone ridge preservation. This is particularly beneficial in maintaining bone volume and density for a future dental implant. The second is the addition of Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) for faster, optimal healing. The third is injectable EXPAREL®, a local anesthetic that works for three days by blocking nerve impulses safely and effectively. These options will be explained in detail if they are recommended for your treatment.

Are you concerned that you might need a dental extraction?

We welcome you to give us a call today. Knoxville Smiles at Malone & Costa Dentistry are on your side when it comes to minimizing the dentistry you need to create and maintain oral health and optimal, comfortable function. You’ll receive the attentive, personal care you deserve.

Tooth & Wisdom Removal Image
Dr. Micheal Costa

Dr. Costa

Dr. Stephen Malone

Dr. Malone


Knoxville Smiles at Malone & Costa Dentistry offers a unique dental care experience to our patients in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas. The crew is committed to protecting and increasing the natural beauty of your smile by employing conservative, cutting-edge techniques that result in attractive, long-lasting smiles!

Our dedicated and experienced team of doctors includes Dr. Stephen Malone, D.M.D., University of Louisville, and Dr. Michael Costa, D.D.S., UNC School of Dentistry, M.H.A., UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill, NC. They are firm believers in continuing education to provide their patients with the finest possible care.

Drs. Costa and Malone see their patients as real partners in their service. Our team is committed to making your dental care journey as pleasant as possible.

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