Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions may be necessary to prevent damage to other teeth and relieve tooth pain caused by trauma, disease, or decay. Our experienced oral surgeons, Dr. Hoverstad, Dr. Camp, Dr. Milewski, and Dr. Marrazzo, can help assess your situation and determine if tooth extraction is the right solution for you.

Raleigh Oral Surgery & Dental Implants is dedicated to providing excellent oral health care and achieving optimal outcomes for our patients. With our expertise in tooth extractions, we can alleviate your discomfort and improve your overall dental health. We encourage you to contact our practice in Raleigh or Clayton, NC, today for a consultation.

When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Tooth extraction becomes necessary in various situations. One common reason is dental trauma, where a tooth is severely damaged due to an injury or accident. Tooth decay is another common cause, especially when it progresses to an advanced stage and cannot be effectively treated with fillings or root canal therapy. Overcrowding of teeth may also require extractions, especially when it hinders proper alignment or orthodontic treatment. Problematic wisdom teeth, which often lack sufficient space to erupt properly, are frequently extracted as well.

Tooth Extraction Procedure

The tooth extraction process begins with a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. During this consultation, your oral health will be thoroughly examined, and appropriate anesthesia options will be discussed. For simple extractions, local anesthesia is typically sufficient. However, complex cases or patients with dental anxiety may require IV sedation for a more comfortable experience.

Once the anesthesia takes effect, your surgeon will carefully remove the tooth. Our team is skilled in performing extractions with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues. After the extraction, the area will be cleaned, and appropriate post-operative instructions will be provided to ensure a smooth recovery.

Recovery After Tooth Extraction

Recovering from a tooth extraction is generally a straightforward process. It is important to keep the extraction site clean to prevent infection. This can be achieved by rinsing the mouth with a saltwater solution as recommended by your surgeon. Pain medication may also be prescribed to manage any discomfort during the healing period. It is important to follow the instructions provided and contact our office if there is excessive bleeding or pain following the procedure.

Tooth Replacement Options After Extraction

After a tooth extraction, it is important to consider tooth replacement options to maintain proper oral function and prevent future complications. Your surgeon will discuss your options with you during your consultation.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the ideal solution as they closely mimic the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. By inserting an implant into the jawbone, it fuses with the bone to create a stable foundation for a crown or bridge. Additionally, dental implants help stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining the integrity of the facial structure.

Immediate Dental Implants

In some cases, same-day dental implants are possible immediately following a tooth extraction. This option is suitable for those with a healthy jawbone and a noticeable tooth extraction in the smile zone. By attaching a temporary crown to the implant, you can restore your smile while the implant fuses with the bone. This saves both time and money, as it eliminates the need for a separate implant placement procedure in the future.

Socket Preservation

If you are planning to have a dental implant in the future, socket preservation is recommended. This procedure helps preserve the size and shape of the tooth socket to prevent bone loss. By filling the empty socket with bone grafting material, the integrity of the socket is maintained, reducing the risk of adjacent teeth shifting and ensuring a stable foundation for future tooth replacement.

No Replacement

While tooth replacement is highly recommended after an extraction, leaving a missing tooth without replacement can lead to various issues. Jawbone atrophy, or bone loss, is a common consequence of a missing tooth. This can result in misalignment of the remaining teeth and bite problems. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with our oral surgeons to discuss suitable replacement options for your specific case.