Dental Extractions

Gentle Tooth Extractions

While it’s always ideal to save a tooth through emergency or restorative treatments, it may be necessary to extract it to alleviate pain, save adjacent teeth, and protect overall health. We provide gentle tooth extractions at River Run Dental Spa. See our dentists and care team for a consultation and begin the process of improving your oral health and wellness.

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Immediate Relief from Pain and Discomfort

Dental extractions are done when a tooth is damaged, decayed, or has begun negatively impacting adjacent teeth (i.e., pushing into another, which can cause trauma).

A tooth extraction may require a simple or complex removal process.

The removal method will be dependent on the severity of the tooth’s damage/decay, the doctor’s chosen preference, and the type of tooth in need of removal (such as wisdom teeth).

Extraction has its benefits:

  • Stops Pain – Patients experience immediate pain relief once a tooth is extracted; the removal, along with antibiotics, will also remove infection and swelling
  • Protects Teeth – Adjacent teeth and gums are protected from its removal; infection is no longer spread to adjacent areas

With a tooth removed, your dentist will also have the space needed to address other teeth. It also presents a starting point where you can explore restorative treatments such as dental implants or a dental bridge.

Ideally, saving a natural tooth is the best course of action, but tooth extractions can be a necessity. We encourage you to see our dentists as soon as possible to explore options that best suit your oral health needs and budget.

 

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

We’ve crafted a truly relaxing experience at River Run Dental Spa.

We understand that treatment can make you feel nervous and stressed out. Our offices and team relieve those feelings by blending treatments with spa-like amenities and an environment that is warm and welcoming.

A visit to River Run Dental Spa for a tooth extraction typically goes like this:

  • Consultation – We do a comprehensive examination to not just look at the tooth causing you pain, but how it may be affecting your whole mouth
  • Relaxation – We apply numbing agents to the teeth and gums so you won’t feel a thing during the procedure
  • Removal – Your dentist loosens and removes the tooth
  • Recovery – We complete the procedure and offer guidance and instructions on how to best care for your mouth to ensure proper healing

With the tooth removed, you can enjoy your day without pain and discomfort. It should take about a week to 10 days to finish healing but you’ll feel normal after the first few days.

 

Book an Appointment Today

A toothache can be an overwhelming experience that makes it nearly impossible to go about your day. Worse, it can lead to an infection that causes even more problems! Don’t wait – see our dentists as soon as possible. We’ll help relieve the pain.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Extractions

No. Your dentist will use strong numbing agents on the area. We do have nitrous oxide (laughing gas) available for those that need additional sedation. The most you’ll feel is pressure in the area as it’s being extracted.

Yes. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of tooth extractions. Factors in play include the complexity of the extraction, coverage, and if you’ve met your plan requirements. Talk with your insurance provider about coverage for a more complete picture. Alternatively, there are several payment options available, and our Dental Wellness Savings Program that can help you save.

A root canal is usually the first procedure to be offered because it can save a natural tooth. However, an extraction may be necessary if the tooth is too damaged or is simply the best choice for your oral health and well-being.

Besides the increasing pain, the tooth may also become infected and lead to an abscess, which is not something to take lightly. It may soon require antibiotics and/or additional procedures, such as if the tooth damages nearby teeth due to the spread of infection.

River Run Dental Spa has several dental clinics including locations in Charlottesville, Richmond, and the surrounding areas. Use our online booking system to select a location nearest to you.

A tooth extraction is recommended when keeping the tooth puts your comfort or your overall oral health at risk. That may include severe decay, a cracked tooth that cannot be restored, advanced infection, or a tooth that is damaging nearby teeth.

At River Run, we’ll start with an exam so we can get a clear picture of your tooth and how it affects your overall smile and oral health. We’ll then explain every option that’s available so you can choose the right path forward.

A simple extraction is used when the tooth is easy to access and can be removed without additional surgical steps. This is what people think of with “pulling a tooth.” A surgical extraction is used when the tooth is broken near the gumline, impacted, or requires more access to remove safely. It will be more involved and may require a longer healing period.

Our dentist will explain which approach you need, and why, based on your exam and imaging. We’ll also do our best to keep you calm and relaxed through the whole experience.

We encourage you to complete your registration forms ahead of time, so your visit stays smooth and on schedule. We also recommend you bring in a current medication list and share any health updates before treatment. If you plan on using dental insurance, send your details over to our team in advanced so we can help you understand coverage and options.

Outside of these items, do your normal oral hygiene routine. You may also need someone to drop you off / pick you up due to sedation. Having your preferred pharmacy on file is also helpful if you require pain relief medications.

For many extractions done with local numbing only, eating a light meal beforehand is often fine. If your appointment includes sedation, or your case is more complex, you may be asked to avoid food for a period of time.

Your River Run team will provide a specific treatment plan during your pre-visit. We recommend following this to ensure the best outcome.

Right after the extraction, we will review aftercare instructions so you know exactly how to protect the area while it heals. Most people feel more “normal” after the first few days and fully healed within 7 to 10 days. However, do contact us if anything feels off and we will guide you.

Dry socket happens when the blood clot that protects the extraction is lost too early. This exposes sensitive tissue. It can increase discomfort and slow healing. You can lower your risk by avoiding straws, skipping smoking, and following the aftercare steps your dentist gives you.

You can gradually go back to your normal diet within a few days. Start with soft foods and chew on the opposite side of the extraction site. As time goes on you can reintroduce regular foods. For complex extractions, this healing timeline may take longer but we’ll keep you informed so you know what to expect.

Tooth replacement is a key part of protecting your bite and keeping surrounding teeth stable.

Many patients choose a dental implant for a long-term, natural-feeling solution. A dental bridge can also be a great option when an implant is not the best fit. Our dentists will clearly explain your options as part of your long-term plan.