Dental Extractions in Charlotte, NC

Most of us plan on holding on to our teeth forever, but there are cases when a dental extraction is the best option for your oral health. For instance, if a tooth is severely decayed or infected, tooth extraction might be the only solution. Wisdom teeth also often need to be extracted to avoid impaction or disturbing adjacent teeth; they may be unable to erupt fully, or they may be crowding the teeth already there.

Sometimes Dr. Justin Harlow may recommend a dental extraction in order to set the stage for necessary dental procedures, like orthodontics or dental prosthetics. Whatever the reason for your tooth extraction, Dr. H. Justin Harlow can extract your tooth and ensure you have an anxiety-free experience with minimal discomfort.

At Harlow Dental at Steele Creek in Charlotte, NC, we do our best to make tooth removal the very last option. We provide many dental procedures like dental crowns and porcelain veneers to protect weak or damaged teeth, and we offer tips and advice on proper at-home oral care to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. 

At Harlow Dental at Steele Creek, we only recommend dental extractions as a last resort. Typical scenarios where we may recommend a tooth extraction in Charlotte, NC include:

An infected tooth—Dr. Harlow may need to pull a tooth when the tooth is decaying, either from trauma or gum disease. At this stage, the tooth cannot be repaired or salvaged. Dr. Harlow will examine your tooth to see if a root canal is possible if it is not then a tooth extraction will prevent the spread of infection. 

To create space in your mouth—Dr. Harlow may recommend a tooth extraction prior to orthodontic treatment. If you have overcrowded teeth, it may be easier to fit aligners when there is more space. If a wisdom or permanent tooth cannot erupt beyond your gum line because there is no space for it, we may have to perform a dental extraction. Wisdom teeth often require a dental extraction if they grow in at the wrong angle, or if there isn’t enough space in your mouth to accommodate them. If you are suffering from a painful wisdom tooth, do not hesitate to come in so we can relieve you of your agony.

Cracked or fractured tooth—At Harlow Dental at Steele Creek, we do our best to save your natural teeth before recommending a dental extraction. Sometimes with a cracked tooth, we can cap the tooth with a dental crown to protect and stabilize it. If the tooth is cracked at or below the gum line, we may need to remove the tooth.

Preparing for dentures—For Charlotte, NC patients who are getting complete dentures on the upper or lower arch, it may be necessary to extract any existing teeth so that the denture can fit completely and snugly. If there are enough healthy teeth, then partial dentures will be recommended.

Untreated tooth decay—Decay can infect the pulp of your tooth, and if a root canal procedure cannot remove the decay, then the tooth will have to be extracted to stop the decay from spreading to other teeth.

Periodontal disease—When gum disease is left untreated, the disease can affect your gum and bone structure, leading to a loose tooth that Dr. Harlow can remove efficiently.

Tooth infection—Sometimes untreated tooth decay can infect the pulp, or center of the tooth, and cannot be treated with root canal treatment. To stop the infection from spreading, our dentist will extract the tooth.

What to Expect from Tooth Extractions in Charlotte, NC

We understand the anxiety that goes with having a tooth extracted, and our goal is to make you as cozy as possible. Your comfort comes first, and we will work hard to make sure the procedure is pain-free.

At Harlow Dental at Steele Creek, we always work hard to save your tooth and make sure you get to keep all your natural teeth. Dr. Harlow will only recommend a tooth extraction because there are no other alternatives. While we understand that no one wants to hear that they need a dental extraction, we will perform it with the utmost care and compassion.

We offer convenient dental extractions in the comfort of our welcoming Charlotte dental offices. Whether you need baby teeth, adult teeth, or wisdom teeth extracted, we provide everything you need. Don’t worry about pain or discomfort; we keep our patients relaxed and happy through the application of local anesthesia so that the entire area is numb.

Are you feeling anxious about your tooth extraction procedure? We understand that the process can sound intimidating and daunting. While we cannot change the circumstances that result in needing an extraction, we can make the process as comfortable as possible. We offer relaxing nitrous oxide for patients who need a little extra care.

You may know it as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide allows our Charlotte, NC patients to unwind and relax during the process without passing out. You’ll feel the anesthetic effects immediately, and the best part is that the effects wear off within minutes after removing the breathing mask.

Dr. Harlow starts the tooth extraction process by doing one of two things:

• Break up the tooth into small pieces
• Loosen the tooth with a dental instrument
• Either will help ensure the procedure goes smoothly.

As soon as Dr. Harlow removes the tooth, he will apply sutures to start the healing process. The sutures will dissolve on their own after some time.

Taking Care of Yourself after Your Dental Extraction

It is important to follow Dr. Harlow’s instructions for taking care of the extraction site after the procedure. Smoking is not recommended, nor is drinking through a straw. Both can cause the blood clot forming at the site to be dislodged, resulting in a condition called dry socket.

While it’s completely human to want to probe the area with your tongue, we urge you to temper your natural inclinations. Practice eating and chewing on the other side of your mouth, where your mouth isn’t healing. While it may not be the most savory choice, it’s advisable to eat soft foods for the first couple of days so that you don’t disturb your sutures or healing.

You shouldn’t feel pain during the dental extraction; some patients may feel a little discomfort. We provide over-the-counter pain medication that takes effect during the procedure. For swelling, we recommend ice packs covered in towels to provide relief. Give our Charlotte, NC dental offices a call if you have any questions or run into any problems.

Call Harlow Dental at Steele Creek to Learn More about Dental Extractions

If you believe you might need to have a tooth extracted, contact Dr. Harlow and his experienced team to ensure the entire extraction experience is a comfortable one! We know that very few people get excited about learning they need a tooth extraction, but it doesn’t have to be a terrible experience. We work hard to streamline the process to be efficient, stress-free, and painless. We provide services to Charlotte, Pineville, Fort Mill, and all surrounding areas!