Tooth Extractions in Durham and Morrisville, NC

Although we would like to save and heal every tooth, sometimes removing a tooth called extraction is the only choice. At The Smile Shop, we make this as stress-free as possible by ensuring you are comfortable. We also use treatment techniques that are far easier than traditional methods.

Drs. Kate Dolin, Adam Spriggs, and Daphne Toussaint are dentists in Durham, NC who always use a gentle hand and make the extraction site is numb before taking your tooth.

In many cases, if we extract a tooth due to decay, we can offer a tooth replacement option to restore your smile.

If you have a damaged or severely broken tooth that may need extraction or treatment, contact a member of our dental team to schedule your consultation. And continue reading to learn more about our methods and the extraction process.

• Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction in Durham, NC
• What You Can Expect During Your Tooth Extraction
• Caring for the Extraction Site
• Options for Replacing Missing Teeth in the 27703 Area
• Damaged Tooth with Pain? We Offer 24-Hour Emergency Dentistry in Durham
• Lowering Your Risks for Tooth Extraction

Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction in Durham, NC

There are many reasons why a tooth might need to be extracted, including patient requests. Some of the more common reasons for tooth removal include:

• A fractured tooth—While many small tooth fractures are repairable, some are too advanced to save the tooth. Trauma from contact sports and accidents—or even years of grinding and clenching your teeth—can result in un-restorable fractures.
• Severe periodontal disease—Periodontal disease can result in bone loss so extreme that teeth become mobile. Left untreated, this can lead to extractions and even systemic health complications.
• Severe tooth decay—We can often treat tooth decay with fillings or tooth crowns. Untreated decay, however, will progress until it becomes impossible to restore the tooth.
• Orthodontic treatment—If space in your mouth is limited, your orthodontist may request removing one or more teeth so your smile can be straightened and aligned correctly.
• Wisdom teeth—Wisdom teeth come in long after your adult teeth and can encroach on existing teeth, causing pain, or only partially erupting. We extract wisdom teeth in our dental office or refer you to a specialist who shares our patient-centered focus.

What You Can Expect During Your Tooth Extraction in Durham, NC

After you and your dentist decide to extract a tooth, our doctors will do everything in their power to make you comfortable. Information is key to stress-free treatment, so please ask any questions you may have. We are here to help and will gladly address any concerns you may have.

It’s also important to remember that the extraction site is numbed before your dentist starts work. While you may feel movement in the area and mild pressure, it is unlikely that you’ll feel pain. Most patients are surprised by the ease of extraction. It is straightforward, and our dentists have a lot of experience keeping you comfortable.

Once the procedure is complete, we go over all post-op instructions. We also send home a post-extraction kit with you that includes our contact information if you have any questions or concerns.

At The Smile Shop, we are always here for you!

Caring for the Extraction Site

Your dentist provides more specific aftercare instructions, but you should avoid smoking and drinking through a straw as a rule. These activities can slow down your healing and dislodge the necessary blood clot that promotes recovery.

For the first day, we may recommend sticking to a soft diet as well. We will also provide instructions on how best to keep the extraction site clean.

Options for Replacing Missing Teeth in Durham, NC 

We want you to have all your options available to replace a tooth once it has been extracted. There isn’t one treatment plan that works best for everyone, so we work closely with you to meet your needs. We talk to you about your smile goals and budget. We point out the benefits of each option and allow you to make the final decision.

However, your dentist may point out the necessity of replacing a missing tooth. When a tooth is lost or extracted, it allows your remaining teeth to shift toward this opening, throwing off your bite and leading to enamel wear. When enamel wears down, it can mean future fractures and cavities. Missing teeth may also promote jawbone deterioration, which can mean a sunken appearance around your lower face.

Quality Dental Implants in Durham

Dental implants could be an excellent option for replacing a single tooth or an entire arch. They are highly aesthetic for replacing missing front teeth, and function nearly as well as a natural tooth. We work closely with the best oral surgeons for the placement of the implant. Once the placement site has fully healed, our dentists fabricate a custom permanent tooth crown that is made especially for your mouth! Please see our Dental Implants page for more information.

A dental implant is the only replacement option that restores your tooth and its valuable root. This replacement root may help keep your jawbone viable and prevent deterioration.

Fixed Dental Bridge

A bridge is a prosthetic that replaces a missing tooth. First, we prepare the teeth on either side of the lost tooth. We then fabricate a large three-piece crown to "bridge" space and replace the missing tooth. The crowns cap the prepared teeth and allow the prosthetic to fill in your smile gap. Additional information can be found on our Crowns & Bridges page.

Complete & Partial Dentures

Dentures and partials are options to replace missing teeth. We fabricate these prosthetics to replace sporadic missing teeth (partial) or an entire arch (complete). Dentures are different than an implant or a bridge because they are removable at will and rely on suction, gravity, or clips for support. Our Complete & Partial Dentures page goes into further detail.

Damaged Tooth with Pain? We Offer 24-Hour Emergency Dentistry in Durham

Toothaches brought by trauma, deep decay, and infection can be excruciating, which is why we offer 24-hour emergency dentistry in Durham.

If you have a toothache and suspect you may need an emergency extraction or treatment, reach out to a dental team member immediately.

We can assess your situation around the clock and make the best determination for your comfort and oral health.

Our gentle dentists in Durham do not like to leave patients anxious or in pain.

Lowering Your Risks for Tooth Extraction

The best ways to lower your risks include:

• Visiting your dentist on time for dental exams, teeth cleanings, and periodic x-rays
• Brushing and flossing at least twice per day and always before bed
• Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks
• Wearing the proper nightguard if you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)
• Wearing the proper mouthguard or face gear if you participate in contact sports

We want you to enjoy a healthy and comfortable smile for life!

For Tooth Extractions in Durham, Contact Our Dental Office

If you need a tooth extracted or have a damaged tooth, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. We are here to help and comfort you!

Your Durham, NC dentists proudly serve patients everywhere, including Durham, Apex, Morrisville, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Cary, and Butner.