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Tooth Extraction

When a tooth cannot be saved, our gentle extraction services provide comfortable, efficient removal while focusing on your wellbeing and future oral health. We prioritize your comfort throughout the process.

  • Painless procedure with advanced techniques
  • Simple and surgical extraction options
  • Comprehensive aftercare support

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Understanding Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone. While preserving natural teeth is always our priority, there are situations where extraction becomes necessary for your overall oral health. Our experienced team uses advanced techniques and technology to make extractions as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We provide comprehensive care before, during, and after the procedure to ensure optimal healing and guide you through any tooth replacement options if needed.

When Extraction Is Necessary

There are several situations where tooth extraction may be recommended:

  • Severe Decay or Damage - When a tooth is too damaged to be restored with fillings, crowns, or other treatments
  • Advanced Gum Disease - If periodontal disease has caused significant bone loss, making teeth loose and unsalvageable
  • Impacted Wisdom Teeth - Third molars that cannot properly erupt through the gums
  • Orthodontic Treatment - To make room for other teeth in cases of overcrowding
  • Infection Risk - For teeth that pose a risk of infection, especially in immunocompromised patients
  • Preparation for Prosthetics - Sometimes necessary when planning for full dentures or other restorations

Types of Extractions We Perform

We offer different extraction approaches based on your specific needs:

  • Simple Extractions - For visible teeth that can be removed with forceps, typically performed under local anesthesia
  • Surgical Extractions - For teeth that are broken, impacted, or below the gumline, requiring an incision
  • Wisdom Tooth Removal - Specialized extraction of third molars, often performed for all four wisdom teeth in one session
  • Emergency Extractions - Same-day service for severely painful or infected teeth requiring immediate removal
  • Multiple Extractions - Coordinated removal of several teeth, often in preparation for dentures
  • Extraction with Socket Preservation - Includes bone grafting to maintain bone volume for future implant placement

Comfort Options During Extraction

Your comfort is our priority. We offer several options to ensure a pain-free experience:

  • Local Anesthesia - Numbs the extraction area completely while you remain fully conscious
  • Nitrous Oxide - "Laughing gas" helps you relax while remaining awake and aware
  • Oral Sedation - Medication taken before your appointment to help you feel calm and relaxed
  • IV Sedation - For more complex extractions or anxious patients, providing deeper relaxation
  • Comfort Amenities - Pillows, blankets, and entertainment options to make your experience more pleasant

During your consultation, we'll discuss your comfort preferences and recommend the best options for your specific situation.

The Tooth Extraction Process

What to expect before, during, and after your extraction procedure

1

Comprehensive Examination

Before any extraction, we perform a thorough examination that includes digital X-rays to assess the tooth's position, root structure, and surrounding bone. We'll discuss your medical history, current medications, and any concerns to ensure your safety during the procedure. This information helps us determine the most appropriate extraction technique and anesthesia options for your specific case.

2

Pre-Procedure Preparation

We'll provide detailed pre-procedure instructions, which may include fasting guidelines if sedation will be used, arranging for someone to drive you home, and temporary adjustments to medications as advised by your physician. On the day of the procedure, we prepare the treatment area with antiseptic solution to reduce bacteria and administer the appropriate anesthesia (local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or in some cases, general anesthesia) to ensure your comfort.

3

Tooth Extraction Procedure

The extraction procedure varies depending on whether it's a simple or surgical extraction. For simple extractions of visible teeth, we use an elevator instrument to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it. For surgical extractions (impacted teeth, broken teeth, or teeth below the gumline), we make a small incision in the gum, may remove some bone around the tooth, and sometimes section the tooth into pieces for easier removal. Throughout the procedure, we ensure you remain comfortable and pain-free.

4

Site Preservation

After the tooth is removed, we carefully clean the socket and remove any infected tissue. If you're planning for a future dental implant, we may place bone graft material in the socket to preserve bone volume and create an optimal foundation for the implant. We then place gauze over the extraction site and have you apply gentle pressure by biting down to control bleeding and help a blood clot form, which is essential for proper healing.

5

Post-Extraction Care

We provide detailed aftercare instructions, including how to manage swelling with ice packs, medications for pain management, dietary recommendations (soft foods for the first few days), and specific oral hygiene instructions to prevent infection while promoting healing. We'll advise you to avoid certain activities like smoking, drinking through a straw, or vigorous rinsing, which can dislodge the blood clot and lead to complications like dry socket.

6

Follow-up & Restoration Planning

We schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress and remove any sutures if necessary. Most extraction sites heal completely within 1-2 weeks, though bone remodeling continues for several months. If the extraction was performed in preparation for a tooth replacement option like an implant, bridge, or denture, we'll discuss the next steps in your treatment plan to restore your smile's function and appearance.

Why Choose Professional Extraction

When a tooth can't be saved, proper extraction provides numerous benefits

Pain Relief

When a tooth is severely damaged or infected, extraction provides immediate relief from the pain and discomfort that has been affecting your quality of life.

Prevent Infection Spread

Removing severely infected teeth prevents the spread of infection to adjacent teeth, gums, jawbone, and even other parts of your body through the bloodstream.

Expert Care

Professional extraction ensures the procedure is performed with precision, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues and reducing the risk of complications.

Prevent Overcrowding

Removing impacted wisdom teeth or extracting teeth for orthodontic purposes helps prevent overcrowding, misalignment, and related oral health issues.

Preparation for Prosthetics

Professional extraction prepares your mouth for tooth replacement options like implants, bridges, or dentures, creating an optimal foundation for your future smile.

Proper Healing

Professional extraction includes comprehensive aftercare instructions and support to ensure proper healing, reducing the risk of complications like dry socket or infection.

Schedule Your Consultation

We welcome new patients to our Peachtree City prosthodontic practice. Feel free to request an appointment or ask us any questions about our specialized services.

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 8 AM–4 PM

Saturday - Sunday: Closed

Contact Information

Phone: (770) 631-0044

Fax: (770) 631-0045

Email: [email protected]

Our Location

Address:
5000 Shakerag Hill
Peachtree City, GA 30269

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Dental Emergencies

For dental emergencies, please call our office immediately:

(770) 631-0044

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Tooth Extraction FAQs

Common questions about tooth extraction procedures and aftercare

With modern anesthesia and techniques, you should feel minimal to no pain during the extraction procedure. We use effective local anesthesia to numb the area completely before beginning. For patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing complex extractions, we offer additional sedation options to ensure comfort. After the procedure, once the anesthesia wears off, some discomfort is normal and can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications. Most patients report that the procedure is much less uncomfortable than they anticipated.
Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction and individual healing factors, but generally follows this timeline: The first 24 hours are focused on clot formation and initial healing. Swelling typically peaks around 48-72 hours and then begins to subside. Most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 days, though you should avoid strenuous exercise for about a week. Soft tissue healing occurs within 1-2 weeks. Complete bone healing takes about 3-6 months, though you won't notice this ongoing process. Following our aftercare instructions carefully helps ensure the fastest and most comfortable recovery.
For the first 24-48 hours, stick to very soft foods and liquids that require no chewing, such as: yogurt, pudding, applesauce, smoothies (without straws), mashed potatoes, soup (not too hot), and ice cream. As healing progresses, you can gradually introduce soft foods that require minimal chewing: scrambled eggs, pasta, soft-cooked vegetables, fish, and ground meat. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods that might irritate the extraction site or get lodged in the socket. Also avoid very hot foods and beverages during the first few days. It's important to maintain good nutrition during healing, so focus on nutritious soft foods rather than just sugary options.
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves before healing is complete, exposing the bone and nerves. To prevent dry socket: Avoid smoking and tobacco products for at least 72 hours after extraction (ideally longer). Don't use straws, spit forcefully, or create any suction in your mouth. Avoid rigorous rinsing or touching the extraction site for the first 24 hours. Follow our aftercare instructions carefully, including gentle salt water rinses starting 24 hours after the procedure. Take all medications as prescribed. If you experience increasing pain 2-5 days after extraction, contact us immediately as this may indicate dry socket.
Whenever possible, we prefer to save natural teeth rather than extract them. Alternatives to extraction depend on your specific situation and may include: Root canal therapy to treat infections within the tooth while preserving its structure. Periodontal treatments for gum disease affecting tooth stability. Dental crowns to restore severely damaged teeth. Partial dentures that work around compromised teeth rather than removing them. However, there are cases where extraction is the best option, such as severe damage beyond repair, advanced gum disease, impacted wisdom teeth, or preparation for orthodontic treatment in overcrowded mouths. We always discuss all viable treatment options before recommending extraction.
The cost of tooth extraction varies depending on several factors: Simple extractions (visible teeth) are less expensive than surgical extractions (impacted teeth). The location and condition of the tooth affects complexity and cost. Additional procedures like sedation or bone grafting add to the total cost. Many dental insurance plans cover extractions, especially when medically necessary, typically at 70-80% coverage after deductibles. Our office staff can verify your specific insurance benefits and provide a detailed cost estimate before treatment. We also offer financing options to help make necessary extractions affordable for patients without insurance or with limited coverage.
After healing from an extraction, several replacement options are available: Dental implants are the gold standard, providing a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. Dental bridges use adjacent teeth for support to fill the gap with a fixed prosthetic tooth. Partial dentures are removable appliances that replace one or more missing teeth. Each option has its own advantages in terms of longevity, functionality, aesthetics, and cost. In some cases, such as wisdom tooth extraction or orthodontic treatment, replacement isn't necessary. We can discuss which option is best for your specific situation, considering factors like the location of the missing tooth, your oral health, lifestyle, and budget.
Some bleeding and swelling are normal after extraction, but excessive amounts may require attention. For bleeding: Apply firm pressure by biting on a clean gauze pad for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, try a moistened tea bag (contains tannic acid that helps clotting) for 30 minutes. Keep your head elevated and avoid physical activity. For swelling: Apply ice packs to the outside of your face in 20-minute intervals for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, switch to moist heat to reduce swelling. Take anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed. Contact our office immediately if you experience: Bleeding that doesn't subside after multiple gauze applications, swelling that increases after 2-3 days, severe pain not relieved by prescribed medications, fever, or signs of infection. After hours, our answering service will direct you to emergency care if needed.