At our practice, we always try to save your natural teeth first. It’s the best way to protect your smile. But sometimes, a tooth is too damaged, decayed, or infected to be saved. In those cases, removing the tooth is the healthiest choice for your mouth.

If you do need an extraction, you’re in good hands. Dr. Gessell performs this procedure with great skill and a gentle approach, using modern techniques to keep you comfortable. Knowing why you need an extraction and what will happen can help you feel more at ease about this common dental treatment.

When a Tooth Needs to Be Pulled

Even though dentists always try to save your natural teeth, sometimes a tooth is too damaged or unhealthy to keep. Pulling the tooth is then the best choice for your overall health. Here are the most common reasons why you might need to remove a tooth:

• Extreme Damage or Decay: If a cavity is too big or the tooth is too broken, there might not be enough healthy structure left to hold a filling or a crown.
• Severe Gum Disease: This disease can destroy the bone that holds your tooth in place. If the bone is gone, the tooth becomes loose and we may need to remove it.
• Impacted Wisdom Teeth: These are the back teeth that don’t have enough room to come in properly. They can get stuck under the gum, causing pain, infection, or push on your other teeth.
• Overcrowding: Sometimes, teeth are too crowded. A dentist might need to pull one or two to create space so braces can straighten the rest of your teeth.
• A Bad Crack: A tooth with cracks all the way down its root and below the gumline can’t be fixed.
• A Failed Infection Treatment: If a root canal treatment doesn’t work and the tooth stays infected, removing it may be the only way to stop the infection.

What Happens During a Tooth Extraction

Getting a tooth pulled might sound scary, but it’s a routine procedure at our Southern Pines dental practice. We focus on making sure you are comfortable every step of the way.

Step 1: The Check-Up

First, Dr. Gessell will do a thorough exam and take an X-ray. This helps him see the tooth’s shape, how many roots it has, and the condition of the bone around it. With this information, he can plan the best and safest way to remove the tooth.

Step 2: Getting You Comfortable

Your comfort is our top priority. Dr. Gessell will numb the area completely with a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. If you’re feeling nervous or having more than one tooth removed, we also offer sedation options to help you feel completely relaxed and calm.

Step 3: The Two Types of Extractions

Dr. Gessell offers two main ways to remove teeth, simple and surgical extractions. Which one you need depends on the tooth’s condition.

A Simple extraction is for a tooth that’s visible in your mouth and can be easily grabbed. Dr. Gessell will gently loosen it and lift it out in one piece. The recovery from this is usually quick.

A Surgical extraction is for teeth that are more complicated to remove. This includes teeth that are broken off at the gumline, haven’t come in all the way (like impacted wisdom teeth), or have tricky roots.

Dr. Gessell will make a small cut in your gum to access the tooth. Sometimes, he needs to remove a tiny bit of bone or cut the tooth into smaller pieces to take it out safely. He uses very precise techniques to be as gentle as possible on your gums, which helps you heal faster.

Recovery and Aftercare: What to Expect

After your tooth is pulled, Dr. Gessell will give you clear, personalized instructions on how to take care of your mouth. You can expect some discomfort, swelling, and a little bit of bleeding for the first day or so. This is normal, and these symptoms will get better each day.

The most important goal is to protect the blood clot that forms in the hole where your tooth used to be. This clot is like a natural bandage that helps the area heal. To protect it, you must avoid using straws, smoking, spitting forcefully, or rinsing your mouth vigorously for at least the first 24 to 48 hours. After that initial period, Dr. Gessell might have you gently rinse with warm salt water to keep the area clean.

A simple extraction usually feels much better within one to two weeks. If you had a more involved surgical extraction, it might take a bit longer to heal completely. Our team is always here to help if you have any questions during your recovery. Dr. Gessell will schedule a follow-up visit to make sure everything is healing perfectly.

Options for Replacing Your Tooth

Once a tooth is removed, it’s important to talk about how to replace it. Leaving an empty space can cause your other teeth to shift out of place, and make it harder to chew and clean your teeth properly.

Dr. Gessell will discuss these replacement options with you:

• Dental Implants: This is a permanent solution that looks and works just like a natural tooth. A dental implant is a small post placed in your jawbone that holds a replacement tooth. It’s the best option for preserving the bone in your jaw.
• Dental Bridges: A bridge is a false tooth that is held in place by being attached to the teeth on either side of the gap. It’s a fixed solution, meaning you don’t take it out.
• Partial Dentures: This is a removable replacement for one or more missing teeth. It’s like a retainer with fake teeth attached.

The best choice for you depends on where the tooth was, the health of your other teeth, and your personal preference. Dr. Gessell will explain the pros and cons of each option to help you decide on the best way to restore your smile.

Compassionate Care for Your Needs

If you have tooth pain or have been told you might need an extraction, contact Southern Pines Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Experience our gentle approach, commitment to your comfort, and extensive knowledge on extraction procedures. Give us a call at 910-390-1259​ or request an appointment online.