Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to protect your overall oral health, whether due to severe decay, infection, crowding, or trauma. At Hays Dentistry, Dr. William Hays performs extractions with precision, always prioritizing your comfort and long-term wellness. If a tooth can’t be saved, we’ll guide you through a responsible solution tailored to your needs.
Remove Damaged or Unsalvageable Teeth
Tooth extractions are dental procedures that involve removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Extractions are performed when a tooth is too damaged, decayed, or impacted to be saved through restorative treatments. Depending on the tooth’s condition, Dr. Hays will perform either a simple extraction, which involves loosening the tooth and removing it with forceps, or a surgical extraction, which may involve making a small incision in the gum.
Why You Might Need Tooth Extractions:
- To remove a severely decayed or infected tooth
- To address advanced periodontal (gum) disease
- To eliminate a broken tooth that can’t be repaired
- To make room for orthodontic treatment
- To extract impacted or partially erupted teeth
- To relieve overcrowding or misalignment
- To prepare for dentures or implant placement
Types of Tooth Extractions
Simple Tooth Extractions
Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible above the gum line and can be removed in one piece. After numbing the area with anesthesia, Dr. Hays uses a specialized instrument to gently loosen the tooth and lift it from its socket. This procedure is quick and minimally invasive, with a smooth recovery process when proper aftercare is followed.
Surgical Tooth Extractions
Surgical extractions are necessary when a tooth is broken at the gum line, impacted, or has not fully erupted. This procedure involves making a small incision in the gum to access the tooth, and in some cases, the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. Dr. Hays performs surgical extractions with advanced techniques to ensure your comfort.
Your Complete Tooth Extraction Experience
at Hays Dentistry
Consultation
Your experience begins with an evaluation by Dr. Hays. He’ll take the time to understand your concerns, review your dental history, and perform a clinical exam, often including digital X-rays, to assess the condition of the affected tooth and surrounding structures. Dr. Hays will walk you through your treatment options and only recommend extraction when it’s truly necessary for your long-term health.
Treatment
For a simple extraction, Dr. Hays uses a dental elevator to loosen the tooth, followed by precision forceps to remove it in one smooth motion. If your case requires a surgical extraction, Dr. Hays will make a small incision in the gum and, if needed, section the tooth to remove it with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue. Once the tooth is removed, the socket is cleaned, disinfected, and sometimes packed with a healing aid or sutures for optimal recovery.
Recovery
You may experience some mild swelling, tenderness, or bleeding for the first 24-48 hours, which is completely normal. Dr. Hays will advise you on how to manage pain or discomfort with over-the-counter or prescribed medications, and how to keep the area clean without disrupting the healing site. Most patients feel significantly better within 3 to 5 days, with full healing occurring over 1 to 2 weeks.
Results
Once healing is complete, you’ll notice immediate relief from the pain, infection, or crowding that prompted the extraction. Swelling typically resolves within a few days, while the gum tissue and bone continue to stabilize over the next few weeks. If you’re planning a replacement, such as an implant, bridge, or denture, Dr. Hays will discuss next steps based on your healing timeline.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Hays
Dr. William Hays is committed to providing thoughtful, patient-centered care that prioritizes your comfort and long-term oral health. At Hays Dentistry in Waxhaw, NC, you’ll never feel rushed or pressured. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or suspect a problem, Dr. Hays will take the time to guide you through your options and engage in shared decision-making. Schedule your consultation today to learn your options for tooth extractions and restoration.
