Tooth Extractions – Raleigh, NC

Removing Severely Damaged Teeth to Improve Oral Health

At Dalton Hunt Dentistry, we do everything we can to ensure our patients are able to enjoy complete and healthy smiles throughout their lives. However, in some cases, like those where a tooth is damaged or decayed beyond repair, we may recommend a tooth extraction in Raleigh to minimize the spread of the problem. So, while it may mean losing one of your natural teeth, this treatment can also help preserve your surrounding healthy pearly whites.  To learn more about this emergency dental service, including what the recovery process entails, call our office today or read on!

Why Choose Dalton Hunt Dentistry for Tooth Extractions?

  • Same-Day & After-Hours Emergency Dental Visits
  • An Experienced & Compassionate Dental Team
  • Save with Our In-House Membership Plan

Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary

Closeup of patient experiencing toothache

We typically recommend extracting a tooth in the following situations:

  • Gum disease has eroded the supportive structure of a tooth, causing it to become loose.
  • A baby tooth refuses to fall out on its own.
  • An infection has become so severe that it is no longer treatable with a root canal.
  • Room needs to be made in your mouth prior to orthodontic treatment.
  • A previously treated tooth is causing you pain and cannot be retreated.

The Process of Removing a Tooth

Dental forceps holding an extracted tooth

Whether we’re removing one tooth or several, the first step of the process is always the same: to numb your mouth thoroughly. Then, once you’re ready to begin, your emergency dentist in Raleigh will grip the tooth, rock it loose, and remove it from the socket (this is known as a “simple extraction”). Before you leave our office, we will also provide you with a list of aftercare instructions to help you stay comfortable throughout the healing process.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

Patient with black glasses smiling in treatment chair

In an effort to make the recovery process as smooth and seamless as possible, we will provide you with aftercare instructions. A few general ones include:

  • Taking prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed
  • Placing a cold compress against the outside of your cheek
  • Changing the gauze pads as needed
  • Eating only extremely soft foods, like applesauce and plain yogurt
  • Brushing and flossing carefully around the extraction site
  • Avoiding strenuous exercise, like running

Around the three-day mark, any swelling, sensitivity, or discomfort you’re experiencing should start to subside. If your symptoms seem to be getting worse or you develop a fever, then you should contact our team at Dalton Hunt Dentistry immediately.