Tooth Extractions in Raleigh

Tooth extractions are most commonly used to remove wisdom teeth because they can cause issues with surrounding teeth if they erupt improperly. Wisdom teeth typically come in when a patient is in their late teens or early twenties.. And if you are experiencing discomfort or pain near your molars and jaw, you should consider an assessment from Dr. Atari. She can determine whether your wisdom teeth should be extracted to help you avoid damage down the road.

Tooth extractions may also be required if a tooth is infected, or has been loosened or damaged due to gum disease. An extraction may also be recommended if the tooth has been severely damaged or impacted due to oral trauma. If you suspect that you may have a tooth that needs to be removed, give our dentists in Raleigh a call today to set up a consultation.

If your tooth is infected or severely damaged by decay, you will notice the following symptoms: extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, a severe toothache, and pain when chewing. When bacteria penetrates tooth enamel, it can affect tender nerves in the pulp tissue and cause an infection. Dr. Atari will always try to save an infected tooth with root canal therapy, but if the damage is too severe, an extraction may be the best option to remove the decay.

If you had one of your teeth extracted, Smileplicity Dentistry offers replacement options that will look and feel natural. We offer beautiful dental implants that will last a lifetime, and full or partial dentures that will restore your smile and your confidence. Dr. Atari will work with you to help you decide which restorative option is right for your needs and your budget.

At Smileplicity Dentistry, you can expect Dr. Atari and the team to prioritize your comfort and keep you informed throughout the entire tooth extraction process.

Before beginning the extraction, we'll have a discussion with you, answer your questions, and review your medical history. To ensure your comfort, we'll administer a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. In certain cases, we may also provide sedation options to help you relax and feel at ease during the procedure.

Once you're comfortable and the area is numb, we'll use specialized instruments to remove the tooth gently. We'll then provide you with aftercare instructions to promote proper healing.

The duration of the tooth extraction procedure depends on various factors, such as the position and condition of the tooth, and the complexity of the extraction. That being said, most extractions take about 20-40 minutes.

We understand that the prospect of experiencing pain during a tooth extraction can be overwhelming. However, our team takes great care to ensure that our patients are as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure. We use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth and may also offer sedation to help you relax.

To prevent complications during the procedure such as vomiting or choking, we recommend that you avoid eating or drinking anything for at least six hours before your tooth extraction procedure.

We advise that you avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours after a tooth extraction procedure. Engaging in vigorous exercise can increase blood pressure, which may lead to bleeding and slow down the healing process. However, light activities like walking are acceptable and may even promote better blood flow, aiding in the healing process.

In some cases, a tooth extraction can cause a temporary change in speech. This is because the missing tooth or teeth can affect the way air flows through the mouth. However, this is usually only temporary and will improve as the mouth adjusts to the change.

After a tooth extraction, it's important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Atari and the team at Smileplicity Dentistry to ensure proper healing. This may include avoiding certain foods and activities, taking pain medication as prescribed, and keeping the extraction site clean. It’s also important to attend any follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.

Removing a tooth can impact the surrounding teeth, leading to shifting or misalignment. To prevent this, Dr. Atari may recommend a dental implant or bridge to replace the extracted tooth and maintain proper alignment.

Many dental insurance plans cover tooth extractions, but coverage can vary depending on your individual plan. At Smileplicity Dentistry, we accept most major dental insurance plans and will work with you to maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket costs. We also offer financing options to help make dental care more affordable for our patients.

After a tooth extraction, it's best to wait until the local anesthetic has completely worn off before eating. This is typically a few hours. When you do eat, start with soft foods like yogurt, pudding, or soup, and avoid hot drinks and spicy foods. Do not use a straw as the sucking action can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket.

Whether it's better to let a tooth fall out or have it pulled depends on the situation. If the tooth is a baby tooth and is loose because the permanent tooth is coming in, it's usually best to let it fall out on its own. However, if the tooth is a permanent tooth and is loose due to disease or injury, it's important to see a dentist. Leaving a damaged tooth in your mouth can lead to infection and other complications. Dr. Atari can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action.

Recovery time after a tooth extraction can vary, but most people start to feel better after a few days. During the first 24 hours, it's important to rest and avoid strenuous activity. You may experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses.

Yes, but you should avoid the extraction site. Brush and floss the rest of your teeth as usual, but avoid the extraction site for the first 24 hours to allow the blood clot to form. After 24 hours, you can start gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean.