Skip to main content

Is It Safe to Have a Tooth Removed?

Is It Safe to Have a Tooth Removed?

Sometimes tooth removal is necessary. Wisdom teeth that don’t have room to grow in or an infection that doesn’t go away are two reasons you might need to have a tooth removed. 

Making room in your mouth to help orthodontia align your teeth is another reason for tooth extraction. Fortunately, modern dental practice and a skilled provider make tooth extractions safe.

You can rely on our qualified professionals to provide you with compassionate care, especially when tooth extractions are necessary. Our exceptional Hometown Family Dental Centers team ensures our patients experience minimal pain and rapid recovery. We provide gold-standard dental care at our offices in Fayetteville, Raeford, and Vass, North Carolina.

When is tooth extraction necessary?

Our dentists might need to schedule a tooth removal for various reasons. Tooth decay, severe root damage, or wisdom teeth not growing in properly are just a few reasons tooth extraction becomes necessary.

Gum disease

Severe damage caused by tooth decay or tooth root injury often requires tooth removal. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums and jawbone that support your teeth. It’s the primary cause of tooth loss in adults

Gum disease produces bacterial pockets, leading to infection that may eventually cause a tooth to become loose. It might be necessary to extract the infected tooth once the disease spreads. Thankfully, gum disease is easily avoidable when you get regular dental cleanings and checkups.

Plaque buildup is the main contributor to gum disease, but other risk factors include smoking, poor oral hygiene practices, hormonal changes, and a history of dental disease in the family.

Infection

Your tooth's pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves, is located in the center of the tooth. If the pulp becomes infected, the dentist might begin treatment with antibiotics or a root canal to save the tooth. 

Sometimes these first steps can repair damage and treat disease, but tooth removal becomes necessary if that’s not possible. Our Hometown Family Dental Centers specialists make every effort to preserve a tooth, and extraction is a final attempt to maintain oral health. 

Wisdom teeth

Many patients experience mouth and jaw pain from their wisdom teeth, a third set of molars. Removal of these teeth is common because of the pain and discomfort their growth causes if there’s not enough room for them or if they grow improperly.

Tooth alignment

You may need to remove a tooth or several teeth if there’s severe crowding and you want to improve tooth alignment. Before getting Invisalign® or braces to straighten teeth, some people occasionally need to have a tooth extracted to make room in their mouth. 

Similar to wisdom teeth, misaligned teeth can contribute to problems like gum disease. Proper tooth alignment stops pockets of bacteria from spreading infection.

What to expect during a tooth extraction

Our dentists know that many patients experience anxiety before having a tooth extracted. Tooth removal is a quick procedure, and you shouldn’t feel much discomfort because we use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. We also offer sedation dentistry.

Your dentist might have to remove some gum tissue to get to the problematic tooth. Grasping the tooth with forceps, your dentist gently rocks it back and forth until the bone and ligaments supporting it release the root. 

Afterward, we apply gauze to help stop the open tooth socket from bleeding. If your dentist uses stitches, these naturally dissolve during healing so you don’t need an additional appointment to have them removed.

Most patients experience a quick recovery within just a few days. Our Hometown Family Dental Centers team gives you comprehensive instructions to care for your oral health after tooth extraction. 

Our experts understand that getting a tooth pulled can be frightening — but it’s absolutely safe. Before beginning, we promise to do everything in our power to ensure your comfort and address any questions you may have. You can make an appointment by calling the closest office location.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Ways to Avoid Gum Disease

Ways to Avoid Gum Disease

You're at risk for gum disease if you don’t practice good oral hygiene. Fortunately, there are good habits you can develop to avoid it. Here’s more about them.

How Can I Achieve a Hollywood Smile Quickly?

If your grin is discolored, stained, cracked, or chips, and you’re looking for a dazzling, Hollywood-type smile — you’re in luck. We have treatment options to brighten your teeth and shore up your self-confidence quickly.

Foods to Eat for Brighter, Healthier Teeth

Your diet may be the forgotten secret to a dazzling, bright smile. While brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are essential, the foods you eat also affect the color of your teeth.

4 Warning Signs You Need a Root Canal

Have you ever experienced a toothache that made you wonder if it's more than just an ordinary pain? If there’s an infection inside your tooth, you may need a root canal. Learn the warning signs here.
6 Questions to Ask Before Getting Dentures

6 Questions to Ask Before Getting Dentures

Are you self-conscious about missing teeth? Deciding to get dentures is a big step, and we know how important it is to have all of the facts before making a decision. Trust us to provide the information you need to make your best choice.