Tooth Extraction in New Bern

After a tooth extraction, we make sure the area heals properly and you can generally return to your normal quality of life, minus the extracted tooth. However, many patients decide to replace extracted teeth with dental appliances that are both cosmetic and functional.

In many cases, Dr. McGowen can restore the appearance and utility of a missing tooth with a dental bridge. Bridges consist of special crowns that fit onto the teeth on either side of the extracted tooth. Between these crowns connects the “bridge”: an artificial tooth that fills the gap. Bridges are a great way to hide the look of an extracted tooth, but they aren’t the only option.

Another option to restore the missing tooth is a dental implant. Once a specialist places the implant, Dr. McGowen can restore the area with an implant-retained crown. A dental implant is a small metal post that we insert into your jawbone in the extracted area. This post fuses to your bone and provides a base for us to attach a replacement tooth. We create a custom-designed replacement tooth that matches the look and color of the surrounding teeth. This implant is virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth, giving you a seamless and natural-looking appearance.

There’s no major prep work needed before your extraction. You should keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing in the days before your session to minimize the risk of infection. If the target tooth is already infected or damaged, we may prescribe antibiotics in advance to protect your mouth from further infection and to aid in the numbing process during your extraction. If you are taking any blood thinners, please make sure the office is aware before your scheduled appointment.

In New Bern, Evolve Dentistry is the place to go for gentle, comfortable dental care. We use the most innovative methods to provide unmatched care with minimal discomfort. After your extraction, you may experience some mild bleeding, but this usually goes away within 24 hours.

In the following days, we recommend getting plenty of rest to help you heal. A cold or hot compress on your mouth will also help alleviate any muscle soreness in your jaw/joint. If you experience any further bleeding while at home, it is helpful to bite on a tea bag in the area that had the extraction.

In many cases, you can avoid tooth extractions by following the proper care steps and oral hygiene routines.

Tooth extractions are commonly caused by excessive tooth decay that has irreparably damaged the tooth. You can fight tooth decay by regularly brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Home care can be truly transformative to eliminate plaque and tartar before it irreparably damages your teeth.

Of course, routine dental visits are also key to clean, healthy teeth. We recommend that you visit us twice a year for routine cleanings. At a cleaning, we’ll professionally remove built-up plaque and tartar on your teeth to catch stubborn areas that you can’t reach by brushing. Plus, our experts will look for signs of tooth decay in advance. This will often let us develop a treatment plan before your condition progresses to needing a tooth extraction in New Bern.

Some tooth extractions are necessary after tooth or mouth injuries damage teeth, but with the right care you can even reduce the risk of this damage. We can design and fabricate custom mouth guards to protect your teeth during sports events. Mouth guards can also prevent wear caused by clenching or grinding your teeth. With a mouth guard, you can reduce the risk of traumatic tooth damage to help you keep your teeth healthy.