Extractions

Tooth Extractions

A Tooth extraction, put simply, is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Dental extractions are most often performed because a tooth has sustained damage or decay, or cannot be saved by Root Canal treatment, or to prepare for the placement of a Dental Implant. Advanced gum disease may be another contributing factor in a tooth extraction.

Other reasons for a tooth extraction include making space in the mouth for braces or other orthodontic treatment, or in the case of pediatric patients, to allow room for adult teeth to grow.
 

What are the steps involved in a tooth extraction?

Regular Tooth Extraction: A tooth that has fully erupted through the gum line can usually be removed as easily as any other tooth via a regular extraction.

Surgical Tooth Extraction and Oral Surgery: A wisdom tooth or other tooth that is impacted or is still under the gumline or embedded in the jaw bone may require a surgical extraction, which is a form of oral surgery. A surgical extraction means your dentist will make an incision along your gum line to expose the tooth, and remove any bone that is still covering the tooth to allow it to be removed. Your dental insurance may cover all or a portion of surgical tooth extractions.

Your dentist may recommend extracting one tooth at a time, or focus on one area of your mouth at a time. Before the dentist removes the tooth, he or she will numb the surrounding tissue with a local anesthetic.

Once the area has been numbed, the dentist will remove the tooth, control any bleeding, and if necessary, may use sutures (stitches) to close the gums.  Your dentist may prescribe or recommend over the counter medications to help control any post-procedure pain or swelling.

What Our Patients Have to Say...

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Glenn Eaves
September 12, 2026
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Greeted with a smile, on time. Nora was an excellent hygienist and Dr Britt was thorough and patient. Check out was painless . Highly recommended!
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Daniel V
September 12, 2026
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I had a crown replaced. The experince was prompt, pain free and as close to fun that I can remember in a dentist's office. Thumbs up for Dr. Britt and Shelly.
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Eric Danford
September 11, 2026
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I’ve just had my first appointment with Dr Britt and team and they were fantastic. They squeezed me in last minute for a broken tooth and Dr Britt thoroughly explained my options and associated costs. Things were transparent and efficient and I appreciated the humor to lighten my concerns. It was truly a great experience. They even took the time to introduce several team members to me. I’m happy I’ve chosen Britt Dental Center for my new dentist. Thank you all!
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Ken Laws
September 6, 2026
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I have been a patient of Britt Dental Center for several years. I'm very pleased and impressed with the professionalism and the quality of care I have received from Dr. Britt and the entire staff. I highly recommend Britt Dental Center for all of your dental care needs.
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Brad Lane
September 6, 2026
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Dr. Britt and his team are the best. Everything was like clockwork from check in to check out. I'm very confident in my care and know they take my concerns seriously. Great practice. I've recommended to many and they now trust Dr. Britt and his team with their dental care.
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Brad Ludes
September 5, 2026
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When I started going to Ben Britt after moving to Raleigh a dozen years ago, the typical Dentist racket collapsed: no constant cavities being identified, no "while we're in there" timeshare pitch, and no man standing there staring into my head like he found the leak and gets to price the remodel. It's a smooth, comfortable ride through their nicely designed visit process of cleaning, x-rays, scanning, data comparisons, and any feedback I may have on new issues. When the Doctor arrives (DDS - real doctor energy, smaller jurisdiction. If I have a heart attack in the chair, he's still the best guy for my teeth) we sit there trading sarcastic stories and whatever bourbon we had last week, which admittedly is a bit challenging considering his hands are in my mouth. Added bonus: the hygienists and front office staff are funny and friendly people who are actually happy to be at work, not like some other offices where they resentfully find you on their clipboard list while checking you in to Hell. If your smile looks like a grenade went off in your mouth, or your teeth were painted in a vibrant shade of brown or yellow, switch to Britt. For everybody else, switch anyway - they're the best.
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Wendy Bischler
September 3, 2026
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As always, my visit, for a cleaning, at Dr. Britt’s practice was quick and pleasant.
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Emily Brown
September 2, 2026
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Great experience! Ashleigh the hygienist was thorough but very gentle cleaning my teeth. I’d skipped some cleanings prior to this appointment but she was kind, nonjudgmental, and didn’t hurt me while getting rid of the excess plaque buildup on my teeth. Thanks to everyone- especially Ashleigh.
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Scott Sturm
September 2, 2026
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Appointments always start on time, and staff is always highly efficient. Imaging, cleaning, and final doc examination all happened in less than 35-40 minutes. Several staff members recognized me by name. 😁
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Jane Benedick
September 2, 2026
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