Tooth Extractions

If your tooth cannot be rescued through common treatments, such as a filling or a dental crown, our dentist may recommend a more intensive treatment or a complete removal of the tooth. We encourage you to meet with Dr. Kwame Gyampo for a full examination of your smile and a proper diagnosis. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a tooth extraction in Durham, North Carolina, please contact Providence Smiles today at 919-682-4861 so our team can meet with you and examine your smile!

What is a tooth extraction?

A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth. While our dentist and team will do everything they can to avoid having to remove a tooth, in certain situations, the most effective option to keep your mouth healthy and protect your other teeth may be removing a tooth or teeth. Following the tooth extraction, we are happy to provide you with one of our excellent tooth replacement treatments to restore your smile to optimal health, beauty and function.

What could necessitate a tooth extraction?

There are several conditions may necessitate tooth extraction:

• If you have severe infection that has destroyed a significant portion of the tooth and supporting bone structure, destroying the tooth’s viability.
• If serious decay has damaged a tooth beyond repair, making a successful restoration impossible.
• If you have crowding in your mouth caused by too many teeth that do not fit properly in your mouth.
• If you do not have room for your third molars, or wisdom teeth. Most people need their wisdom teeth removed because they do not have enough room for them to erupt properly.

What is procedure and healing process like?

Our skilled dentist and team take great care when performing tooth extraction procedures to ensure you have a quick, comfortable and painless experience. We will numb your mouth and sedate you so you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. We will also provide you with detailed post-treatment care instructions so that you can properly take care of your smile as it heals and avoid any complications.

Your initial healing period after having a tooth or teeth extracted will last about one to two weeks. For the first 48 hours, you will experience some swelling and discomfort.

We recommend that you:

• Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours.
• Do not touch the surgical site with your fingers or tongue.
• Use ice packs as needed for the first 48 hours (20 minutes on and 10 minutes off).
• Use all prescribed medications as directed and mild pain relievers to manage discomfort as needed.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated but do not suck on straws.
• Limit vigorous exercise for three to four days.
• Use warm, moist heat on the outside of your face to relive any muscle stiffness.
• Gently rinse using a warm saltwater rinse every four hours and following meals (½ teaspoon salt in an 8-ounce glass of water).
• Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods and avoid anything that could get stuck in your teeth. Gradually resume a normal diet as you heal.

What options do I have to replace the tooth?

There are a few options for replacing your tooth: dental bridges, dental crowns and dental implants. Dental implants replace the entire tooth, including the roots, and dental bridges replace one or two missing teeth in a row. Dental crowns can be used to protect and cap tooth replacements.

For more information on tooth extraction and to schedule your consultation at our friendly dental office, we invite you to call or visit us today. We are committed to improving your smile!