Extractions

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Getting a tooth pulled is unpleasant, but sometimes an extraction is necessary to prevent further complications. For safe and expert extractions, turn to the knowledgeable team at Loveland Dental Group in High Point, Cornelius, Concord, Winston-Salem and Mooresville, North Carolina and Fort Mill, South Carolina. When a tooth needs to be removed, you can head our way. Schedule a consultation online or call our office.

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Extractions

Q&A

Why might I need a tooth pulled?

Permanent teeth are built to last a lifetime, but for many reasons, some teeth might not. For example, you may need to have a tooth extracted because it’s too seriously broken to keep. Decay, trauma, and lifestyle can all contribute to needing teeth pulled.

Other reasons for extractions include:

Risk of infection from a failed root canal
Risk of infection during an organ transplant or chemotherapy
Severe gum (periodontal) disease
Crowded or extra teeth
No room for wisdom teeth (third molars)

What are the steps for an extraction?

There are simple extractions and surgical extractions. Simple extractions are reserved for teeth that can be seen above the gum line. In a simple extraction, the tooth is loosened with a small tool called an elevator, then taken out with dental forceps.

A surgical extraction is more complex. The tooth may not have fully grown into the mouth, as is typical with wisdom teeth, or it may be broken off at the gum line. During a surgical extraction, the dentist makes a little cut into the gum to locate and take out the tooth in question. It may be necessary to remove some of the bone around your tooth as well so it can be thoroughly extracted.

Your dentist gives you a local anesthetic before both a surgical extraction and simple extraction, so you don’t feel any pain. If multiple teeth are extracted at the same time, as is the norm with wisdom teeth removal, your dentist may administer a general anesthetic. You will sleep through the whole procedure with a general anesthetic.

When will I be fully healed from a tooth extraction?

Based on how many teeth you had taken out and your individual condition, healing usually takes one or two weeks. New bone and gum tissue will slowly replace the areas where your teeth were removed. It’s possible you could have trouble chewing or experience other pain and discomfort as you recover, but this will depend on the amount of dental work you have.

If you want to straighten your teeth without unsightly, painful braces, talk to your dentist about Invisalign by calling Loveland Dental Group or booking an appointment online today.