Don’t wait to find out if you need a tooth extraction, schedule an appointment with Winyah Dental Group!
A DENTAL EXTRACTION is the removal of a tooth. They are done for a variety of reasons from tooth decay that has rendered the tooth non-restorable to a routine extraction of third molars (or wisdom teeth). Extractions are also necessary to make space for orthodontic treatment.
Depending on the quality of the remaining tooth structure, extractions can range from simple and inexpensive to a surgical case that is slightly more expensive. Radiographs are necessary for all extractions for legal and diagnostic purposes to determine extraction treatment and price.
Our first goal is always to save your natural tooth — we'll explore every option before recommending removal.
That said, extraction is the right call in a few situations: severe decay that's gone past what a filling or crown can fix, advanced gum disease that's loosened the tooth, impacted wisdom teeth, overcrowding affecting your bite or orthodontic plan, or a tooth fractured below the gumline.
If we recommend an extraction, we'll walk you through exactly why and what your options are afterward.
We start by fully numbing the area so you're comfortable before we begin. From there, we use specialized tools to gently loosen the tooth and lift it from the socket.
For impacted or broken teeth, we may make a small incision in the gum to reach it more easily. Once the tooth is out, we clean the socket thoroughly and place a few stitches if needed. Most patients tell us it was easier and quicker than they expected.
This is the question we hear most, so let's be straight: during the procedure itself, you shouldn't feel pain. Local anesthetic numbs the area completely, and sedation is available if you'd rather be more relaxed.
Afterward, expect some soreness for a few days — usually well-managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, an ice pack, and a little rest. We'll send you home with clear aftercare instructions so you know exactly what's normal and what to watch for.
As close as it gets. Between local anesthetic and our sedation options, most patients feel pressure but no actual pain during the procedure.
If dental anxiety is on your mind, mention it ahead of time. We offer sedation choices ranging from mild relaxation to deeper options for more complex cases. The goal is for you to feel as little as possible before, during, and after.
Most extractions wrap up in 20 to 40 minutes, and simpler cases can move even faster.
Surgical extractions — impacted wisdom teeth, fractured roots, or teeth with complications — take a bit longer. We'll give you a realistic time estimate at your consultation so you can plan around it.