Tooth-Colored Fillings

At West Charlotte Dental, we never spare any effort to maintain healthy, natural teeth. However, there are times a tooth is damaged beyond repair, leaving extraction as our only viable option. Dr. Smigiel and his team are committed to ensuring your time with us is always positive and comfortable.

What Are Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction?

The following are some reasons Dr. Smigiel may recommend having a tooth extracted:

• Traumatic Damage: If a tooth sustains an injury due to an accidental blow to the face, it may fracture or become loose. Extraction may be our only option if no restorative dentistry procedure can save the damaged tooth.
• Severe Tooth Decay: Decay can be severe to the point that it compromises the pulp at the center of the tooth, leaving it susceptible to bacterial infection. If root canal therapy cannot repair the tooth, removing it may be the only option to protect the neighboring teeth and prevent oral health complications.
• Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Extraction is sometimes unavoidable because advanced gum disease candestroy the bone and supportive tissues, leaving them severely eroded and no longer able to hold the teeth securely in place. Unfortunately, poor bone density means the chances of restoring an affected tooth are minimal.
• Orthodontic Treatment: We may recommend the selective extraction of one or more of your teeth to address overcrowding. That helps create the space needed for the remaining teeth to shift into alignment.
• Wisdom Teeth Extraction: Wisdom teeth are notorious for causing dental problems. They often require extraction to prevent a host of oral health complications.

What Are the Types of Extractions?

Tooth extraction can be simple or surgical. Simple extractions are required for teeth visible above the gum line, while surgical extractions are needed for teeth that are weak, fractured at the gum line, or impacted, meaning they are stuck in the jaw. An oral or maxillofacial surgeon typically performs impacted tooth extractions.

How We Help You Relax During Treatment

Dr. Smigiel is committed to providing comfortable, gentle care to our valued patients. His therapy dog, Stella, will help comfort you and take the edge of any dental procedure. If you are anxious about visiting the dentist, make sure to let us know. We’ll do everything we can to make sure you have a positive experience.

Post-Extraction Care

Make sure you eat only soft foods and drink plenty of fluids after extraction. You’ll need to avoid drinking through a straw, smoking, spitting forcefully, or rinsing your mouth vigorously for at least 48 hours to prevent the clot forming in the extracted tooth’s socket from being dislodged. Otherwise, you may develop a very painful complication known as dry socket. If you have any concerns, please contact our office right away.

Tooth Extractions Near Me

Visit West Charlotte Dental if you have a damaged or painful tooth. Dr. Smigiel and his team never spare any effort to save a natural tooth and consider extraction a last resort. If, however, you need to have a tooth removed, you can count on our team for gentle, compassionate care. Call our Charlotte, NC office to schedule an appointment today!