Dr. Erika Graham provides tooth extractions to patients at Oak Grove Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Durham, NC. Dental extractions are needed to 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 the tooth extraction procedure. You can rely on our experienced and compassionate dental professionals to make sure the procedure runs as smoothly as possible.
Simple and Complex Tooth Extractions
There are two types of tooth extractions: simple and complex. Simple tooth extractions can easily remove teeth in one piece. This is because they are performed on teeth that are visible from the gum line.
Complex extractions are more surgical and oftentimes remove teeth in fragments. This extraction utilizes incisions in the gums to remove teeth that are not visible from the gum line.
Teeth that are extracted due to infection or severe damage can be replaced 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
Wisdom teeth need to be removed if they are impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that 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 keep track of emerging wisdom teeth. We will recommend a tooth extraction if it seems there is not enough room in the mouth for the third molars to erupt properly.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
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 is dislodged 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, it will take more time to remove your teeth. Typically, it takes multiple hours to remove impacted wisdom teeth. However, it can take minutes to extract teeth that are 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 is fully healed, 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 mediation
- 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? Is there a single infected tooth that you need to be removed? Schedule a dental appointment with our dental team online. You may also contact Oak Grove Family and Cosmetic Dentistry by calling 919-899-4467. Let our team know if you have any more questions about extractions and we can help.