Tooth Extractions

While it’s always our goal to care for and maintain your natural teeth, there are cases when removing a tooth is in your best interest. We work to make extractions as easy as possible so you can concentrate on a quick recovery.

Tooth Extraction in High Point, NC

High Point Dental Partners offers tooth extractions for patients if they need a tooth safely removed. The process is typically fast with the most critical part being recovery. Controlling the bleeding after a tooth extraction is important for the healing process, so we will have you bite down on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes to form a blood clot. You should not disturb the blood clot for the next 24 hours so it can heal properly. We recommend an ice pack to the outer cheek for the swelling. Once it has decreased, you can place a warm compress to the same area. Remember to rinse your mouth with salt water to clean the extraction area.

illustration of tooth being filled using dental tools
  • Preventing Dry Socket

    When a tooth is extracted, a blood clot forms shortly after the procedure – this is the beginning of the healing process. If this blood clot becomes dislodged before your mouth has healed fully, this causes pain and is called dry socket.

    6 tips for avoiding dry socket
    1. Do not use straws or anything that creates a suction movement of air and cheek muscles.
    2. Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco as fast inhalation can dislodge your blood clot and the chemicals may prevent healing or cause an infection.
    3. Eat soft foods only like applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes for the first one or two days.
    4. Inquire about any medicines you’re taking to ensure they don’t interact with the healing process.
    5. Use proper oral hygiene to keep your mouth clean.
    6. Follow your doctor’s instructions on proper oral care to improve recovery time.
  • When and why are wisdom teeth removed?

    Wisdom teeth are the very last teeth to develop, and they grow in the very back of the mouth. In most cases, you will start to feel these teeth emerge when you are in your late teens or early twenties. Almost everyone has these teeth removed since they tend to grow at a severely slanted angle and will likely bump into other teeth and cause crowding. There is also very little space available for these teeth. Ultimately, about 85% of adults end up having their wisdom teeth removed.

  • What causes the need for tooth extraction?

    A patient may need a tooth extracted when a tooth has become broken or damaged by decay. Other reasons for extractions include extra teeth growing in, baby teeth that haven’t fallen out, wisdom teeth and medical reasons.

  • What can I eat after tooth extraction?

    It’s important to stick to soft foods for the first couple of days following your tooth extraction. You don’t want to disturb the blood clot that has formed, so some foods you can eat are:

    • Applesauce
    • Yogurt
    • Mashed potatoes
    • Jello
    • Pudding
    • Ice cream

More Questions?

If you have more questions about tooth extractions, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.

exterior of byrd ford dentistry building

High Point Dental Partners

204 W. Lexington Ave.
High Point, NC 27262
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Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m
Thursday: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m
Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m

Phone

(336) 882-4412

Email Address

[email protected]