Patients who have damaged, infected, or overcrowded teeth benefit from a tooth extraction. Many patients may fear this procedure because they think it will be overly painful. However, we use anesthesia for a pain-free procedure. We treat patients with care so that they feel comfortable through every step of their treatment.
New Bern, NC dentist Dr. Stephen Hoard provides tooth extractions to help patients get healthier and more balanced smiles. If you think you need a tooth extraction, contact our New Bern, NC dental office for a consultation with Dr. Stephen Hoard. He provides tooth extractions as a general dentistry service to patients in New Bern.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
Dr. Hoard uses a general anesthetic to numb the treated area for pain-free treatment. If you have an impacted tooth, he may need to cut the gum and bone tissue that covers the tooth. After the tooth is loosened and extracted, Dr. Hoard will pad the socket with gauze. You may require stitches to close the gum over the extraction site, but this depends on the size of the opening.
Before extraction, Dr. Hoard will assess your dental health and determine if this treatment option is right for you. There are several health issues that may put you further risk, including heart and liver disease, artificial joints, and an impaired immune system. Please let Dr. Hoard know if you have any of these conditions.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Patients typically require several days to recover following the tooth extraction procedure. Because you will experience some discomfort after treatment, Dr. Hoard can prescribe painkillers as well as provide you with aftercare instructions for a swift recovery.
Follow these tips after your treatment for the best possible results:
- Do not drink from a straw for 24 hours
- Do not smoke
- Eat soft foods only
- Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours after the extraction
- Rinse your mouth with salt and warm water solution after 24 hours
- Change gauze pads frequently
- Apply ice to your jaw to help keep down the swelling
- Brush and floss your teeth but avoid the extraction area
Tooth Extraction FAQ’s
Is a tooth extraction a lengthy process?
Start to finish, it can take anywhere from 20-40 minutes to extract a single tooth. should other teeth need extracting, it’s a good rule of thumb to add an additional 5-10 minutes per tooth depending on it’s location.
Is tooth extraction painful?
No. Patients undergo a local anesthetic to numb all possible pain during the tooth extraction process. That being said, if you begin to experience any pain whatsoever, it’s best to let your dentist know immediately.
What can I eat after having a tooth extracted?
It’s best to stick to soft foods for the 24 hours following a tooth extraction. Dr. Hoard and the team at New Bern Smiles will provide you with all the necessary and recommended guidelines regarding what you should and shouldn’t eat.
Learn More
If you have any remaining questions about the tooth extraction procedure or would like to request a consultation with Dr. Hoard, you can call (252) 507-0373 or schedule an appointment online.
In most cases, the recommended treatment is to preserve the natural teeth. There are situations, however, where a tooth extraction may be the best choice. In these cases, Dr. Hoard will design a treatment plan to remove the tooth and replace it either with a dental implant, dental bridge or denture. It is important to replace missing teeth quickly to prevent supporting bone from deteriorating and remaining teeth from shifting.