Tooth Extraction Jacksonville, NC

Dental surgery should be left in the hands of experienced Jacksonville dentists who perform oral surgery using the most advanced dental technology. A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone and is typically performed when a tooth is too damaged, decayed, or infected to be repaired—or when it’s causing crowding, impaction, or alignment problems. Some of the most common reasons for tooth extraction include extra or retained baby teeth that prevent other teeth from erupting, preparation for orthodontic treatment such as SureSmile®, advanced periodontal (gum) disease that has loosened the roots, removal of a fractured or malformed tooth, or severe decay that cannot be treated through other restorative procedures.

Before any extraction, we take detailed X-rays to assess the tooth’s position and surrounding structures. Once we determine which teeth need to be removed, a local anesthetic is applied to ensure you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. Your dentist will use a specialized tool called an “elevator” to gently lift and loosen the ligaments and gum tissue around the tooth’s base. Using forceps, the tooth is carefully rocked back and forth until it separates from the ligaments holding it in place. For more complex cases, such as stubborn or broken teeth, the tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal.

Although tooth extraction may sound like a last resort, it can actually be an important part of preventive dental care. Removing a severely decayed, infected, or overcrowded tooth helps prevent future complications such as gum disease, shifting teeth, or infection spreading to healthy areas of the mouth. In some cases, proactive extraction can even preserve the integrity of your bite and overall oral health.

After the tooth has been removed, we’ll place sterile gauze over the socket to help control bleeding and may use stitches if necessary. Before you leave, we’ll provide personalized after-care instructions to support healing and keep your recovery comfortable at home.

Each patient’s tooth extraction experience will vary depending on the number and complexity of the teeth being removed. Here are some general post-extraction care tips to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing your mouth.
• After the first day, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after every meal. Continue this for about one to two weeks.
• Brush your teeth gently, carefully avoiding the extraction site for a week or two.
• Thirty minutes after your extraction, you can remove the gauze and check the area. If you see bright red, dripping blood, place fresh gauze on the area and bite down for another 30 minutes. Repeat this as needed until the bleeding slows to slightly oozing and the blood darkens and clots. Remember, a mix of blood and saliva can appear like a lot of blood, but it’s usually just saliva.
• Refrain from smoking, spitting, drinking through a straw, or consuming carbonated beverages for three days after the surgery.
• Following these guidelines will help ensure a comfortable and speedy recovery. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.

Once your mouth has fully healed, it’s important to consider how to restore the space left behind. Leaving a gap can lead to shifting teeth, bite misalignment, and even bone loss over time—issues that preventive dental care aims to avoid.

Depending on your needs, your dentist may recommend several restorative options to rebuild your smile’s function and appearance. Dental implants are often the top choice for long-term tooth replacement, as they mimic natural tooth roots and help preserve jawbone health. Other solutions include dental bridges, which fill the gap using neighboring teeth for support, or partial and full dentures for those missing multiple teeth.

For patients interested in orthodontic treatment, such as SureSmile® or Invisalign®, an extraction may also be part of the process to create proper spacing and alignment. Your dentist will review your options during follow-up visits and help you choose the best path to maintain a healthy, confident smile for years to come.

If you need a tooth extraction in the Jacksonville, NC, area, please call Family Comprehensive & Cosmetic Dentistry at (910) 353-5171. You may also fill out our online contact form, and one of our team members will reach out soon to schedule your visit or answer any questions you may have about tooth extractions, restorative treatments, or other procedures aimed at enhancing your smile.