Tooth Extractions in Winston-Salem & Mount Airy, NC

Whenever possible, preserving a healthy natural tooth is preferred. However, when a tooth cannot be predictably restored or is contributing to disease, pain, infection, or other dental problems, extraction may be recommended. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide tooth extractions ranging from straightforward procedures to more complex surgical extractions at our Winston-Salem and Mount Airy offices.

Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction

A tooth may need to be removed for a number of reasons, including:

  • Severe tooth decay or infection when the tooth cannot be predictably restored.
  • Advanced periodontal disease with significant loss of supporting bone or tissues.
  • Fractured or damaged teeth that cannot be repaired.
  • Impacted or poorly positioned teeth.
  • Orthodontic treatment when removal of selected teeth is needed as part of the treatment plan.
  • Preparation for tooth replacement when failing teeth need to be removed before dental implants, dentures, or full-arch treatment.

Your surgeon will evaluate the tooth and surrounding structures and discuss the surgical plan with you. When replacement of an extracted tooth is appropriate, options may include dental implants or other restorative treatment coordinated with your general dentist or prosthodontist.

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

Local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues before the extraction. Depending on the procedure, your medical history, level of anxiety, and individual needs, additional sedation or anesthesia options may also be available. Your surgeon will discuss these options with you before treatment.

During an extraction, it is normal to feel pressure even though the area is numb. If you experience discomfort during the procedure, please let your surgical team know so that it can be addressed.

Some teeth require a surgical extraction or sectioning into smaller pieces for safe removal. This may be necessary because of the position of the tooth, the shape of its roots, the condition of the surrounding bone, or other anatomical factors. Your surgeon will use the technique most appropriate for your individual situation.

Bone Grafting After Tooth Extraction

In some situations, bone grafting may be recommended at the time of extraction to help preserve or rebuild the bone for future dental implant placement. Whether grafting is appropriate depends on the location of the tooth, the condition of the surrounding bone, your treatment goals, and the planned method of tooth replacement.

Learn more about socket preservation and bone grafting after extraction.

After Tooth Extraction

After your procedure, you will receive instructions for managing bleeding, swelling, discomfort, diet, oral hygiene, and other aspects of your recovery. Please follow the instructions provided by your surgical team carefully.

For more information, review our postoperative instructions after tooth extraction.