Tooth extraction is always the treatment choice of last resort, but it may be necessary for a number of situations:
- Overcrowding of teeth
- Advanced gum disease or infection
- Significant tooth damage or decay
If a tooth extraction is considered necessary for long-term oral health maintenance, we can perform the procedure in the comfort of our Burlington, NC dentist office. In most cases, tooth extraction is a rather simple procedure that can be completed using a local anesthetic.
Patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure, but tooth extraction may relieve pain in the case of advanced decay or infection.
Replace Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can affect your smile, the shape of your lower face, and your ability to eat certain foods. It can also cause bone loss and an unbalanced bite. An unbalanced bite will lead to TMJ symptoms.
After a tooth is extracted, Dr. Fuller will recommend dental implants to replace your missing teeth. Implants are the number one recommended solution to missing teeth. They are the most natural-looking and advanced solution compared to other teeth restorations. Implants are the only solution that permanently replaces teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Removing wisdom teeth is often considered a “rite of passage” as we grow into adults. The reason for removing these third molars is to stabilize your long-term dental health and ensure that the fit of your bite is not impacted as they grow.
In many cases, wisdom teeth fail to erupt completely, impacting the jaw bone. Over time, this can put pressure on surrounding soft tissue, adjacent teeth, nerves, and even ear canals. Your dentist at Fuller Dental will work with you to determine if your wisdom teeth should be removed.
The procedure for removing wisdom teeth may require dental sedation if there is bone involvement. Fuller Dental offers complete services for removing wisdom teeth in our dentist office, making it convenient and comfortable for our patients.
If you or your child experience bleeding or sudden pain after your procedure, contact our office as soon as possible for advice on how to proceed. Call us at (336) 290-7401, or request an appointment online today.
We also provide preventative care services to our patients so they can avoid decay and other common dental problems.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Tooth extractions are simple procedures that we perform frequently in our dentist office. Learn more about them by reading these answers to frequently asked questions.
How do I prepare for a tooth extraction?
Avoid consuming anything with tobacco or alcohol for 24 hours before the extraction. These things can cause issues with the healing process and make things bleed more than normal. Don’t eat a huge meal, and make sure you brush and floss before the procedure. You should also have someone to drive you to and from the appointment.
How long should it hurt after tooth extraction?
After the tooth is extracted, you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications only as prescribed since some medications can actually hinder the healing process. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
How does a tooth extraction heal?
To promote proper healing, avoid smoking, rinsing, or drinking through a straw for at least 24 hours. These activities can dislodge the clot, delay healing, and lead to dry sockets. A cold cloth or ice bag may help with any pain or swelling. It is important to continue to brush and floss normally. However, take care to avoid the teeth next to the tooth socket.
When can I eat normally after a tooth extraction?
It is best to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before gradually returning to your normal diet. After 48 hours, we recommend going slow while trying to eat normally. Complications do not normally occur, but contact your dentist if you find yourself in pain a few days after your tooth extraction.
Can I brush my teeth after a tooth extraction?
You’ll need to continue your current oral healthcare routine, but avoid the extraction area for at least a week while it’s healing. Brushing or flossing on that area can disrupt the clot and mess up the healing process. After a week, you should be able to brush and floss your teeth normally.
Do I need a tooth extraction?
At our office, we practice conservative dentistry. But sometimes extraction is the best choice for your oral health. We recommend extraction if a tooth infection or trauma is so severe that even a dental crown won’t save the tooth. We may also choose extraction if you have severely crowded teeth and need orthodontic treatment. The dentist thoroughly examines to ensure that extraction is the best choice.