Tooth Extractions – University

If you need a tooth removed in northwest Charlotte, Carolinas Centers for Oral & Facial Surgery should be your first call. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in quick and efficient tooth extractions to help patients improve and maintain their oral health. Each doctor carries out the procedure with precision, as well as kindness and compassion, so you can feel confident that we will take care of you and provide exceptional results.

If the extracted tooth needs to be replaced, our doctors will discuss your options for tooth replacement, such as dental implants.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

A tooth or several teeth may need to be removed to protect or improve your oral health. Common reasons include:

• Dental crowding. Dental crowding happens when teeth do not fit in their proper place, a baby tooth is lost too early or a permanent tooth comes in too late, or if the jaw is too small for the size of the teeth. As a result, one or more teeth overlap and crowd each other. Dental crowding can be mild, moderate, or severe. Having dental crowding can cause bite misalignment and raise the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Tooth decay. Also known as a cavity, tooth decay is commonly caused by a buildup of bacteria that creates a hole in the tooth. Tooth decay can be mild, moderate, or severe, but all cases should be treated by a dental health professional. A tooth with severe, untreated decay may be past the point of saving and require an extraction to restore oral health.
• Periodontal (gum) disease. Having healthy gums is important to oral health. When gum disease is present, the tissues around the tooth and the bone under the gums are affected. Thankfully, gum disease is treatable and largely preventable. However, it remains a leading cause of tooth decay and tooth loss.
• Oral health treatment. Sometimes, tooth extraction is a part of a larger dental treatment plan, such as braces, dental implants, or pre-prosthetic surgery. Since tooth loss is permanent, most doctors will only remove a healthy tooth if it is absolutely necessary.

There are three main choices for anesthesia

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia provides numbness directly where it is administered. It does not affect consciousness, so the patient remains awake while the feelings of discomfort are eliminated. Local anesthesia is commonly used for minor procedures.

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that the patient inhales to alleviate feelings of anxiety. It does not cause the patient to lose consciousness. It is often used together with local anesthesia.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is commonly used for moderate to extensive oral or facial surgery procedures. This type of sedation is administered directly into the patient’s vein. Since amnesia (forgetfulness) is a common side effect of the medication, most patients who use IV sedation do not remember their procedure.

Learn More About Anesthesia

We’re Here For You 

Would you like to learn more about your treatment options? Get in touch with our state-of-the-art surgery center in northwest Charlotte and schedule a consultation at (704) 547-0837. We are here to learn more about your unique needs and discuss all of your treatment options.