Tooth Extractions in Clayton, NC
Since the goal of dentistry is to preserve your teeth for a lifetime, tooth extraction is never our first choice. Unfortunately, if a tooth is too damaged by decay or infection, removing it is the only option that makes sense for your oral health.
Dr. Kate Dolin and Dr. Adam Spriggs are general dentists in Clayton, NC who have developed a reputation for their caring and compassionate approach to patient care and the quality dentistry they provide. Our patients appreciate these qualities, especially when facing tooth extraction.
If you need a tooth extraction, rest assured that we make your comfort a priority and do everything we can to provide a comfortable, stress-free procedure.
Why We Recommend Tooth Extraction
There are several reasons why our dentists in Clayton would suggest tooth extraction, and we will take time to explain why and how the procedure will benefit your oral health. Common reasons where tooth extraction is the right choice are:
- A decayed tooth that we can't save with a filling or crown
- An infected or abscessed tooth that we can't treat with a root canal
- A tooth that broke off below the gumline can’t be saved
- A tooth that has become unstable due to advanced gum disease
Dr. Kate or Dr. Adam may also recommend removing a tooth to prepare for dental implant placement, dentures, or orthodontic treatment.
A Comfortable, Stress-Free Tooth Extraction in Clayton, NC
When faced with tooth extraction, you couldn’t choose a more caring dental team than ours to handle the procedure. The process begins when your dentist uses powerful local anesthetics to numb the tooth they're treating. This means you won’t feel any pain during the procedure and ensures that you’ll remain comfortable at all times.
We also offer nitrous oxide or laughing gas if you want a more relaxing experience but still want to function and think clearly afterward. Nitrous keeps you calm during your procedure and wears off quickly after we stop administering it.
Self-Care after Tooth Extraction
After your tooth extraction, we will send you home with a post-extraction kit that includes instructions on caring for yourself after your procedure.
The biggest threat to your comfortable recovery is a condition called dry socket that disrupts the formation of a healing clot over the extraction site. Follow our instructions carefully to avoid this complication, and don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions or concerns.
Do You Think You Need Tooth Extraction in Clayton, NC?
Our goal is to do everything we can to keep you comfortable and protect your long-term oral health, and sometimes that means removing a hopelessly damaged tooth.
If you have a loose tooth or severe toothache and think you may need an emergency tooth extraction, call our Clayton, NC dental office so we can evaluate your needs and provide prompt treatment. We also serve patients in the surrounding communities of Garner, Wendell, Wilsons Mills, Smithfield, and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
One common concern after a tooth extraction is what to eat. After a tooth extraction, it's important to give your mouth time to heal. This means eating soft foods that are easy to chew. Think about soups, stews, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and cooked vegetables. Below are 20 foods you may be able to comfortably eat following a tooth extraction:
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Broths, pureed vegetable soup
- Applesauce
- Ice cream
- Pureed foods
- Oatmeal
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Cottage cheese
- Pudding
- Bananas
- Smooth nut butters
- Liquid meal replacements
- Jell-O
- Avocado
- Soft fish
- Well-cooked steamed vegetables
- Hummus
Once your mouth has healed, you can begin to add more foods back into your diet. You should avoid chewing hard foods, as this can irritate the extraction site and delay healing. Chewy foods like caramels and gum can also pull at the healing tissue and cause pain. With a little care, you'll be able to enjoy all your favorite foods in no time.
No one likes the thought of having a tooth pulled, but sometimes it's necessary. If you find yourself in need of a tooth extraction, you can rest assured that our caring dental team in Clayton, NC will make sure you have a comfortable, stress-free experience. We take great care to ensure that our patients are well-informed and comfortable throughout the entire procedure.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Kate Dolin
Dr. Kate Dolin is a West Virginia native who attended West Virginia University and received a Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene in 2011. After graduating, she subsequently worked as a hygienist in Washington, DC before returning to WVU to pursue her dream of obtaining a dental degree. Dr. Dolin loves the time she spends with her patients, and outside of dentistry, she is an avid reader, practices yoga regularly, loves baking and spending time with their two pups Etch and Bond.
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Why Do We Recommend Tooth Extraction?
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Tooth Extraction Technology
Panoramic X-Rays
When planning certain procedures, it’s helpful to have an x-ray image that shows the entire mouth in a single continuous image. Panoramic x-rays give our dentists a view of all your teeth, the upper and lower jaw, your TMJ (temporomandibular joint), nasal passages, and sinuses, allowing us to easily identify growths, tumors, jaw abnormalities, and more.
Unlike regular dental x-rays, panoramic x-rays are taken outside of the mouth, making them a great choice for children and adults with a strong gag reflex.
Nitrous Oxide
Whether you are an anxious patient or just want a calming, relaxing dental appointment, nitrous oxide or laughing gas can be very beneficial. Because nitrous oxide is a gas, it is delivered through a small breathing mask, and all you have to do is relax and inhale normally.
Nitrous oxide produces pleasant sensations of well-being and comfort that last as long as we administer it, and when we stop, the effects will immediately start to dissipate. In just a few minutes, you will feel ready to get back to your busy day and can even drive yourself from your appointment.