Tooth Extractions

Tooth Extractions
for Winston-Salem, Lexington, Greensboro, NC & Beyond

You and Dr. Pruitt, Miller, Stowe, Steinbicker, or Taylor may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or as needed in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The extraction of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, the team at Winston Smiles will discuss alternatives to tooth extractions as well as a replacement for the extracted tooth, including dental implants. Contact us today if your wisdom teeth are causing issues or if you can’t find pain relief for a singular tooth. We’re proud to offer tooth extractions to patients throughout the Winston-Salem, Clemmons, Pfafftown, Lewisville, Walkertown, Lexington, Wallburg, Kernersville, High Point, and Greensboro, NC areas.

The Tooth Extraction Process

At the time of tooth extraction, the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.

During the extraction process you may feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the tooth extraction, please let us know right away as you may need more anesthetic.

Tooth Extractions Winston-Salem, NC

Sectioning a Tooth

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored, or the root is curved significantly so that the socket can’t expand enough to allow removal.  In such cases, the doctor simply cuts the tooth into smaller segments and then removes each section one at a time.


Wisdom Teeth

Third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, can present their own unique set of problems for some patients that may ultimately require their removal. Please click on the presentation at the right to learn more about this common issue and how we can help.

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Wisdom Teeth Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of wisdom teeth, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to wisdom teeth are discussed.

Wisdom Teeth Presentation


After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to stop the flow of blood.

After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

Tooth Extractions Winston-Salem, NCAfter the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen vegetables applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed.  Any swelling will usually subside after 48 hours.

Use pain medication as directed and please call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft foods on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least three times a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at (336) 765-1881.