Tooth Extractions in Raleigh

While the priority of dental professionals is to save your teeth, in some cases, a tooth, doctors at Renaissance Dental Center may need to be removed to prevent further damage from occurring. Removing a tooth can be a relatively easy procedure for most patients, but for those with anxiety or stress related to visiting the dentist can pose additional problems for patients. Most dental professionals would agree that the more information a patient has about a dental procedure, the more comfortable they are with treatments and procedures.

Why Remove Teeth?

Teeth may need to be removed for many reasons. One reason might be that a tooth, or several teeth, have fallen victim to gum disease. Gum disease (periodontal disease) occurs when bacteria has become lodged between teeth and beneath the gums. When left untreated, the bacteria can turn to tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.

If tartar is not removed, it can lead to gum disease, significant bone and gum loss and eventually tooth loss. Another reason why a patient might need to have teeth removed is that the tooth has become broken due to accident or injury, and it cannot be repaired.

If teeth are not growing properly or if they are impeding the progress of other teeth, it might be advisable to remove the tooth or teeth to make room for the incoming teeth. Other reasons to remove a tooth include tooth decay beyond repair, failing root canal, fracture, or there isn’t enough room for the teeth, as is usually the case when dealing with wisdom teeth extractions.

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Anna Abernethy, DDS

Dr. Abernethy, originally from Concord, North Carolina, moved to Raleigh for college and graduated from Meredith College in 2001 with a degree in biology and a minor in chemical physics. Her journey towards dentistry began unexpectedly when she experienced a dental emergency during her college years, leading her to explore the field through externship programs. Witnessing a patient's life-changing smile makeover after a car accident inspired her to become a dentist. She pursued her dental education at UNC-Chapel Hill Dental School, actively participating in various community service initiatives and events. After graduation, she gained valuable experience as an associate in a dental practice.

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Jill Sonner, DDS

Dr. Sonner, a Raleigh native, completed her undergraduate studies at NCSU in Biological Sciences in 1999. She pursued dental education at UNC Dental School and trained at Fayetteville VA Medical Center, gaining skills in treating medically compromised and geriatric patients, and in advanced surgical techniques, including implant placement. She achieved Fellowship with The International Dental Implant Association, mentored by Dr. Arun Garg. Dr. Sonner, alongside Drs. Abernethy and Wells, took part in a mission to the Dominican Republic, contributing to dental implant surgeries, enhancing chewing function for locals who wouldn't otherwise have the chance. Their efforts significantly improved the quality of life for many recipients.

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Anita Wells, DDS

Dr. Anita Wells, developed her passion for dentistry in her hometown of Pinehurst, inspired by her childhood dentist's compassionate and personalized care. From a young age, she was fascinated by his ability to transform lives through beautiful smiles. Observing his artistic skills and the positive impact he made on patients, she decided to pursue dentistry. Dr. Wells graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry, and later earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery with the highest honors. After practicing in Chapel Hill, she co-founded Renaissance Dental Center in 2009, aiming to provide personalized dental care based on her dedication to changing people's lives.

Extraction Process

The decision to remove a tooth should not be taken lightly. Patients should discuss extraction as a last resort with their dentist to understand the pros and cons of removal. There are two basic types of tooth extractions that are performed in most dental offices.

One type is a simple extraction that can be completed by numbing the jaw, nerves, and tissue surrounding the tooth that is going to be removed. Using special tools to grip the tooth, a dentist can remove a tooth in a few minutes.

For more stubborn teeth, especially molars, oral surgery may be required to use general anesthesia to remove the tooth. This is a common procedure when removing wisdom teeth, or for people who have anxiety related to dental visits and surgery.

Most patients will experience some “pressure” from the extraction process, but there will be no pain associated with the procedure. Following the tooth extraction, most patients use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage the pain and swelling associated with the procedure.

For wisdom teeth extraction or molar extraction, Dentists at RDC  will often prescribe medication to manage the pain and swelling of the tooth extraction. In some cases, teeth that have not erupted and are not visible inside of your mouth, known as impacted teeth, need to be removed to prevent future problems or to make room for teeth to move into place naturally. If necessary, sutures and/or packing will be placed to control bleeding and aid in the healing process.

Children And Tooth Extraction

Removing a tooth from a child's mouth is a common occurrence in a dental office, especially while children's teeth are still erupting and moving into their proper place. Dentists at RDC will often use a local anesthetic to "freeze" the area where the tooth will be removed, and within a few minutes, primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, can be removed quickly and easily.

Children are often nervous about having a tooth extracted, so in some instances, nitrous oxide may be given to help relax the child during the procedure. Speaking to the dentist about options for children is vital to ensure a smooth process for everyone involved.

Tooth Extraction Risks

For the most part, having a tooth or several teeth removed is relatively simple. It's what can come after the tooth extraction that can cause problems for many dental patients. One issue that patients might encounter after having a tooth removed is that other teeth will start to move into the space that is left vacant.

If this isn't the intended outcome, as with removing teeth to make room for new teeth, then it can cause problems for patients. Another risk that is associated with extracting teeth is that it can impact the way people chew their food and the way they speak. It can also change the look on someone's face if the tooth or teeth that were removed are in the front of the mouth.

Additionally, patients may experience problems such as a dry socket, which is an infection that sets in when the space left by the tooth removal procedure doesn't heal properly.

Finally, patients who have teeth removed and opt not to replace the teeth may suffer from bone loss, which can lead to the loss of surrounding teeth and can reduce the likelihood of being able to replace the missing tooth with final solutions such as dental implants later in life.

What Happens In A Smile Consultation?

Setting expectations can be the first part of a smile consultation.   Here is some information to outline what to expect during a smile consultation with Renaissance Dental Center. The first part of a smile makeover consultation is for the patient to discuss their goals with the dentist.  Some of the most popular smile makeover goals include the following:

  • Replacing missing or decaying teeth with Dental Implants
  • Straightening crooked, weak or thin teeth with Clear Aligner Therapy
  • Whitening severely stained teeth
  • Lengthening teeth that are too short with Veneers
  • Filling gaps in between teeth with Bioclear

Second it is important for patients to expect the dentist to help them consider different procedures. The dentists at Renaissance Dental Center and our staff are trained to know what procedures will work best for certain conditions, which is why they help recommend the appropriate ones. For example, a cracked tooth may benefit from a dental crown or dental bonding, both of which are smile makeover options. Once the dentist makes their recommendation, the patient can begin to consider their options.

Your timeline is another expectation for the smile makeover consultation is for a timeline to be determined. Most patients want to know how long the process will take so that they can prepare appropriately. Certain smile makeover procedures may take a few months, which is good to be aware of prior to the process beginning. On the flip side, it is good to be aware of procedures that may not take as long, which can be helpful if the patient needs to undergo multiple procedures, such as teeth straightening and whitening. Oftentimes, multiple procedures are combined to complete a smile makeover because there may be multiple goals. Being aware of how long it may take can be helpful for the patient.

Done be afraid to ask questions.  The last part of the smile makeover consultation is to go over questions and concerns. Patients should expect the dentist and staff to discuss concerns that they have with the treatment and vice versa. Our team will answer any questions or concerns regarding the smile makeover so that the patient knows what to expect and how to prepare. This part of the consultation is extremely important because it allows for open communication between the dentist and the patient.