Got a painful tooth? A tooth extraction from Dr. Darryl Locklear at Locklear Dentistry may be what you need to get out of pain and protect the rest of your smile. Because we handle extractions in-house, including wisdom teeth, you won't be sent across town to a specialist. We offer expert care in a comfortable, judgment-free environment. Contact us today and schedule your consultation in Greensboro, NC.
.png)
.webp)
.webp)
Did you know…
Healing time after an extraction is typically 1-2 weeks.
Basic extractions
Basic extractions are the simplest type and are done on teeth that have fully erupted from the gums. We always try to save your natural teeth first, but when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to repair, removing it and replacing it with a partial denture, bridge, or dental implant protects your bite and the teeth around it.
Wisdom tooth extractions
When wisdom teeth don't emerge properly, they can cause pain, crowding, and a higher risk of infection in teeth that are hard to reach and clean. Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, but if yours are causing trouble or are likely to, Dr. Locklear can take care of it right here, no referral to an outside surgeon required.
Impacted wisdom tooth extractions
If a wisdom tooth is still partially or fully stuck beneath the gum (impacted), it needs to be removed surgically. Rather than simply pulling it, Dr. Locklear makes a small opening and removes the tooth in sections, a more involved procedure we're equipped to perform in-house rather than sending you elsewhere.
The Benefits of Greensboro Dental Extractions
The Tooth Extraction Process
Prep and numbing
To begin, Dr. Locklear cleans the area and thoroughly numbs your tooth, jawbone, and surrounding gums with a local anesthetic, so the area is completely numb before anything starts. You may feel pressure during the procedure, but you shouldn't feel pain, and if you ever do, we want you to tell us right away.
Basic extraction
For a basic extraction, Dr. Locklear uses specialized tools to gently loosen the tooth in its socket, rocking it carefully to widen the space, then removes it with dental forceps. He'll clean the site, place stitches if needed to help it heal, and repeat the process if you're having more than one tooth removed.
Surgical extraction
When a tooth is impacted, broken at the gumline, or firmly anchored, Dr. Locklear performs a surgical extraction. He makes a small opening in the gum to reach the tooth, often sectioning it into smaller pieces to remove it more gently, then cleans and sutures the site so it heals properly. It sounds involved, but you stay numb and comfortable throughout.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tooth Extractions Covered By Insurance?
%402x%20(2).svg){kind=icon}
Yes. Since they are a medically necessary procedure, tooth extractions are typically covered by insurance when recommended by your dentist. Coverage limits and other details will vary based on your policy and your insurance provider, though.
What Are The Signs I Need My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?
If your wisdom teeth are not healthy, you may notice things like pain in the back of your mouth and jaw stiffness. Swollen gums, headaches, and sinus issues may also indicate that your wisdom teeth need to be extracted.
Are Tooth Extractions Painful?
During your surgery, you won’t feel any discomfort. Dr. Locklear will numb your mouth to make sure you don’t feel anything as your tooth is pulled.
We also offer oral sedation to help you feel more calm and comfortable during your procedure.
You may feel some discomfort as you heal and recover, but you’ll usually feel much better within a few days. Follow the recovery instructions that Dr. Locklear gives you, and you’ll be back to normal in no time!
