Tooth Extractions

Having tension or decay in your teeth can drastically affect your daily routine and the overall health of your smile. If you are struggling with tooth decay or a damaged tooth, you may be in need of a tooth extraction here at Providence Smiles. We welcome you to contact our team and learn more about tooth extractions in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Call 919-732-8179 today and schedule your visit with our dentist, Dr. Kwame Gyampo.

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from your mouth. Our dentist only recommends this treatment if the tooth is too badly damaged to be saved. Some of the conditions which may lead to a tooth extraction include:

• Severe infection that has destroyed much of the tooth and supporting bone structure
• Severe decay which has damaged the tooth to the point where successful restoration is not possible
• Overcrowding caused by too many teeth to fit and align properly in the mouth

Our dentist will carefully evaluate your teeth and mouth to determine if an extraction is needed. If so, we will also work with you to find the right type of replacement option for your needs so that you can regain your oral health and full oral function as well as a confident smile.

Procedure
When you receive a tooth extraction our dentist and team will use all their skill to make your experience as comfortable as possible. We will provide a local anesthetic to numb the area, and may also recommend the use of additional dental sedation options depending on your needs. We will then extract the tooth as gently as possible from your mouth.

Post-Op Care
Following your tooth extraction our dentist and team will provide you with post-op care instructions. Follow these instructions closely to heal and recover as well as possible after your procedure.

You will have an initial healing period of one to two weeks after your extraction. You will most likely experience some swelling and discomfort for the first 48 hours after your procedure. We recommend that you:

• Apply an ice pack on the cheek over the extraction site to reduce swelling
• Do not chew for at least two hours or until the anesthetic wears off
• Do not drink through a straw
• Do not rinse your mouth the day of your extraction surgery
• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products for several days after your extraction
• Do not swish and spit vigorously
• Do not touch the extraction site with your tongue or fingers
• Maintain a soft diet for 48 hours
• Try to avoid blowing your nose or sneezing violently
• Try to relax as much as possible – avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 hours after your procedure, and keep your head elevated

If you have any questions about tooth extractions or your post-op instructions, or to schedule a follow-up appointment with our dentist, please contact our office and speak with a member of our team.

FAQ

What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extractions is a removal of a tooth by a dental professional. It is a common dental procedure that our dentist can perform with the necessary skill to help you get the care you need with comfort and security.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?
Generally, we try to avoid a tooth extraction if other dental treatments, such as a dental crown or an inlay or onlay, could treat the tooth. But if a tooth is too damaged by decay or other trauma, our dentist may recommend tooth extraction to protect your oral health. The most common reasons for tooth extraction are:

• Severe tooth infection
• Serious decay
• Crowding caused by too many teeth

What Do I Do After a Tooth Extraction?
Our dentist will give you more details instructions following your tooth extraction procedure, but some of the common tips for successful post op care are:

• Do not rinse or spit during the first day following your treatment.
• Use an ice pack on your cheek or face to reduce swelling and help with pain.
• Avoid smoking, strenuous exercise or drinking through a straw for a few days.
• Eat soft, easy-to-swallow foods and drink plenty of water or other cool drinks.