Gentle Extractions for a Healthier Smile

At Waterstone Family Dentistry, as the dentist Fuquay-Varina relies on, our commitment to your oral health extends to even the most necessary of procedures, such as dental extractions. Whether you require an extraction due to decay, impaction, or for orthodontic reasons, our skilled dental team is equipped with the latest techniques to ensure your procedure is as comfortable and effective as possible. Trust in our expert care and state-of-the-art facilities to guide you smoothly through the process, maintaining your dental health and ensuring a quick recovery, followed by a restoration with implant and crown.

Extractions

While our goal at Waterstone Family Dentistry is to help our patients preserve their teeth, there are times when a tooth cannot be saved. The removal of a tooth from the jawbone is known as a dental extraction.

Some of the reasons for extracting a tooth include tooth abscess or infection, tooth fracture or crack, tooth cavity, bone loss, tooth looseness, or tooth impaction (such as when a wisdom tooth is covered by bone or gum tissue). A baby tooth might need to be removed if it has not fallen out by the appropriate age and is causing the adult tooth to erupt into the jawbone in an unfavorable position.

When might a wisdom tooth need to be removed? When it causes pain or infection; when it is covered partially by gum tissue making it difficult to keep clean; and when it leans sideways and causes a cavity on the tooth adjacent to it.

At Waterstone Family Dentistry, we strive to make the tooth extraction process as pain free and atraumatic as possible. We accomplish this by ensuring the patient is adequately numb before we begin so that only pressure is felt during the process. We also treat any infection with antibiotics prior to removing the tooth.

Ridge Preservation

When a tooth is removed from the jawbone, the remaining bone begins to recede almost immediately and continues to do so until something is placed in the socket.  It is estimated that 40 to 60% bone loss occurs within the first two to three years after a tooth extraction.  This happens because the jawbone needs the tooth roots to remain stable.

If our patients are not ready to replace the extracted tooth with an implant, we recommend ridge preservation or bone graft to halt the bone loss and to maintain the bone for when the tooth replacement process will begin.

A synthetic bone forming material otherwise known as a bone graft is placed in the empty tooth socket.   This helps to preserve the bone height, width and thickness and stimulates the growth of new bone.

If we can answer any questions about tooth extractions or tooth replacements, call us today.

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Understanding the Tooth Extraction Process

At Waterstone Family Dentistry, we strive to make the tooth extraction process as transparent and stress-free as possible. Understanding what to expect can often help alleviate any anxiety you might have about the procedure. Initially, your dentist in Fuquay-Varina will conduct a thorough examination of your dental and medical history and use X-rays to plan the best approach for the extraction.

The type of extraction you undergo will depend on the complexity of your case. For a simple extraction, where the tooth is visible above the gum line, the area around the tooth will be numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure you feel no pain, only pressure during the procedure. Using precise instruments, the dentist will gently rock the tooth back and forth to loosen it before removal. For a more complex procedure, such as the removal of an impacted tooth, a surgical extraction might be necessary. This involves a small incision into your gum to access the tooth. In both scenarios, our team prioritizes your comfort, employing techniques that minimize discomfort and promote swift healing.

Post-extraction, you will be given detailed aftercare instructions to follow, which are crucial for avoiding complications such as infections and promoting a speedy recovery. Our team is also available for any questions or concerns that might arise after you leave our office, ensuring you feel supported throughout the healing process.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you think you might need a tooth extraction, don’t wait. Delaying necessary dental work can lead to more severe complications and affect your overall health. As the dentist Fuquay-Varina patients trust, we at Waterstone Family Dentistry are here to provide you with expert, compassionate care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free smile. Our friendly staff and experienced dentists are committed to making your dental health our top priority.