Teeth Extractions in Huntersville, NC
The Smile Architects provides tooth extractions in Huntersville, NC. Call 704-875-1621 to learn more and schedule your consultation.
Our goal as dentists is to save your natural teeth whenever possible, as this is usually the best option for your dental health. In some circumstances, a tooth extraction is needed in order to restore oral health. The most common reasons for tooth extractions are infections, tooth decay, or dental trauma that cannot be repaired, gum disease, and crowding. Despite our best efforts to preserve your smile through conservative treatments, some teeth must be extracted to protect your mouth and surrounding teeth from further complications.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction Procedure
Unless your tooth is fully or partially impacted, we can perform a simple tooth extraction right in our office. Surgical extractions may require referral to an oral surgeon for more complex cases, such as impacted wisdom teeth.
Before your extraction, the tooth and the gum tissue surrounding it are made numb with local anesthetic injections to ensure the procedure is pain free. A special dental instrument called an elevator is used to gently loosen your extracted tooth from the jaw. Then, the tooth is carefully removed with forceps. We place bone grafting material and a resorbable membrane in the socket after your tooth is extracted in order to help preserve the jawbone. This is particularly important if you plan on replacing your tooth with a dental implant or other tooth replacement option in the future. The overall procedure takes very little time; you may or may not need sutures to close your gums once the extraction is complete.
We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to follow in the days and weeks after your tooth extraction. Recovery from a simple extraction usually takes a few days; it’s important to get rest and relax during this time, as this supports the healing process. Following proper care instructions helps minimize bleeding, prevents dry socket, and allows a blood clot to form properly at the extraction site.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions
How painful is a tooth extraction?
Tooth extractions aren’t painful, although you are likely to feel sensations of pulling and pressure, similar to what you might experience with any other dental procedure that involves local anesthetic injections. Once the local anesthesia begins to wear off, you will feel some discomfort, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
The recovery time varies by patient, but it can take up to four weeks for the soft tissue to heal after a tooth extraction. Usually after two or three days, you’ll feel well enough to go back to your normal daily activities.
How soon after a tooth extraction can I eat?
You can eat as soon as you feel comfortable doing so, although it’s safest to wait until the local anesthesia has fully worn off so you don’t risk biting your tongue or cheeks. In the 24 hours after the surgery, you should eat soft foods and consume liquids. After this initial period, you can begin introducing other foods when you feel comfortable doing so. Rinsing gently with warm salt water after meals can help keep the extraction site clean during recovery.
Can I go back to work after a tooth extraction?
No, we don’t advise going back to work after a tooth extraction. Plan on taking off of work the day of your extraction to allow proper rest and support healing.
What’s the difference between a simple tooth extraction and a surgical tooth extraction?
A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is fully or partially impacted or broken off close to the bone—in other words, it hasn’t completely erupted because it is stuck in the jawbone or an adjacent tooth is in its way. Surgical extractions involve making an incision in the gums to access the tooth and jawbone; in some cases, bone may need to be removed in order to extract the tooth. Surgical extractions usually have a longer, more uncomfortable recovery than simple extractions.
When You Need a Tooth Extraction
If you're experiencing severe pain, infection, or have been told you need a tooth extraction, our team can determine the best course of action during your consultation. Whether you need orthodontic treatment that requires extractions to create enough space, have severely damaged teeth from decay, or need wisdom teeth removed, we're here to help.
Contact The Smile Architects today at 704-875-1621 to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward restoring your oral health.