There is nothing worse than suffering from a damaged, decaying, or infected tooth affecting your smile and causing discomfort. At Carolinas Centers for Oral & Facial Surgery, our highly-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in providing reliable tooth extractions to patients in Columbia, South Carolina. Through innovative extraction methods, we can remove the affected tooth to preserve your oral health and get you back to living a more enjoyable life.

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 

When you choose Carolinas Centers for Oral & Facial Surgery for your tooth extraction in Columbia, you can rest assured that we will deliver a comfortable experience with predictable results. If you are ready to take the next step towards a healthier smile, contact our practice at (803) 973-4530 and schedule a consultation with one of our oral and maxillofacial surgeons.