Dr. Chavala Harris provides tooth extractions to patients at Oak Grove Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Durham, NC. Dental extractions remove severely infected, impacted, or damaged teeth. As a general dental treatment, tooth extractions prevent further damage or tooth loss.
We ensure that our patients feel comfortable during tooth extraction. You can rely on our experienced and compassionate dental professionals to ensure the procedure runs smoothly. In most cases, tooth extraction is a rather simple and relatively quick procedure, and patients recover within a few days.
When Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
Not every damaged tooth needs removal. Dr. Harris always tries to save your natural teeth first. But common signs you need an extraction include:
- Severe tooth pain that doesn’t improve
- Infection that won’t respond to root canal therapy
- Advanced gum disease causing loose teeth
- Significant tooth decay that’s damaged the tooth beyond repair
- Crowding that prevents proper orthodontic treatment
- Impacted wisdom teeth causing pain or damage to other teeth
- A broken tooth that can’t be restored with a crown
- Baby teeth that won’t fall out on their own
If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, swelling, or difficulty chewing, call our Durham office at 919-899-4467. We offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies.
Simple vs. Complex Tooth Extractions
Understanding the type of extraction you need in our Durham office helps reduce anxiety. Dr. Harris will explain which approach is right for your situation.
Simple Extractions
Simple extractions remove teeth that are visible above the gum line. These are straightforward procedures that typically take just minutes. Dr. Harris numbs the area completely, gently loosens the tooth, and removes it in one piece. Most patients feel pressure but no pain during the procedure.
Simple extractions are common for:
- Teeth damaged by severe decay
- Teeth loosened by gum disease
- Extra teeth causing crowding
- Baby teeth that need removal
Surgical Extractions
Surgical extractions are needed when teeth haven’t fully emerged or have broken below the gum line. Dr. Harris makes a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. Sometimes the tooth is removed in sections to make the process easier and more comfortable.
Also known as complex extractions, we recommend surgical extractions for:
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Teeth broken at the gum line
- Teeth with curved or long roots
- Teeth that haven’t erupted
Your Comfort Is Our Priority
Dr. Harris understands dental anxiety. Her whole-patient care philosophy means she considers not just your tooth, but your comfort, medical history, and personal concerns.
You can replace extracted teeth removed due to infection or severe damage with a bridge, denture, or dental implant. Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace teeth at the root. They are capped off with dental crowns for a natural look. Implants offer stability and prevent problems caused by missing teeth, including shifting or overcrowded teeth.
Treating Impacted Wisdom Teeth
You must remove impacted wisdom teeth, which means they are not emerging properly. Extracting an impacted wisdom tooth or teeth prevents them from digging into the molars in the back of the mouth. However, not every patient with wisdom teeth will require extraction.
Our dental team will take x-rays of the teeth and monitor emerging wisdom teeth. If there isn’t enough room in the mouth for the third molars to erupt properly, we’ll recommend a tooth extraction.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Read answers to common questions about dental extractions in Durham, NC.
How long does a tooth extraction take?
Simple extractions often take just 10-20 minutes. Surgical extractions or impacted wisdom teeth removal can take 45 minutes to two hours, depending on complexity. Dr. Harris works efficiently while ensuring your complete comfort.
What can I eat after an extraction?
Stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days. Good options include:
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Ice cream
- Soup
Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods until you’re fully healed.
How long do you keep gauze in after a tooth extraction?
Bleeding can stop the same day as a tooth extraction within a couple of hours, and you will need to keep gauze at your extraction sites until the bleeding stops. Directly after your extraction, make sure you bite down on the gauze. Keep each piece of gauze on your extraction sites for 30 minutes, then switch out the gauze for a new piece.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket is a condition that can occur if the blood clot that forms over your extraction sites dislodges or doesn’t form. Blood clots act as a protective barrier to cover the nerves in the extraction site. Dry socket is marked by pain and sensitivity as the underlying bone and nerves are exposed.
Are broken teeth harder to extract?
We will take more time to remove broken or fractured teeth, particularly wisdom teeth. Because removing damaged teeth can be lengthy, we will use dental sedation. Patients will not feel any discomfort and may even fall asleep under sedation.
How long does tooth extraction take?
Tooth extraction treatment times vary from patient to patient. If you have teeth at or below the gum line, impacted teeth, or damaged teeth, removing them will take longer. Typically, it takes multiple hours to remove impacted wisdom teeth. However, it can take minutes to extract teeth above the gum line.
When can I stop worrying about dry socket?
The gums should begin to close after 7 to 10 days. Once the gums close, there should be no risk of dry socket. Dry socket can occur as the extraction site heals. Once it heals fully, the nerves and bones are not exposed.
How can you speed up recovery after a tooth extraction?
Follow these tips to ensure that you heal properly after an extraction:
- Eat soft foods
- Avoid exercise
- Take prescribed pain medication
- Place an ice pack on your cheek to treat swelling
- Do not drink hot drinks
- Avoid touching the extraction sites
- Brush and floss gently, and avoid the extraction sites
Call Our Dental Office Today
Do you have impacted wisdom teeth? Do you need to remove a single infected tooth? Schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Chavala Harris online. You may also contact Oak Grove Family and Cosmetic Dentistry by calling 919-899-4467.
Let our team know if you have more questions about extractions, and we can help.