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A damaged or infected tooth can cause a lot of trouble. It may cause you pain, affect the way you eat and speak, and it’s bound to throw off your confidence too. The good news is that a tooth extraction, when it becomes necessary, is a routine procedure that can relieve pain and protect the rest of your smile from further harm.
At the office of Travis J. Calhoun, DDS, we only recommend an extraction when it is truly the best option for your oral health. Our team walks you through every option first, and if removing a tooth is the right call, we make the process as comfortable and simple as possible for patients throughout Asheville and the surrounding area.
Most people want to keep their natural teeth for as long as possible, and we feel the same way. A tooth is typically only recommended for removal when decay, infection, or damage has progressed to the point where restoring the tooth is no longer a realistic option.
Common reasons for extraction include severe decay that has destroyed too much of the tooth structure, an infection that has not responded to other treatments, or a tooth that has been badly damaged from an injury. According to MedlinePlus, common reasons people need a tooth pulled include a deep infection or abscess, overcrowded or poorly positioned teeth, gum disease that has loosened or damaged the tooth, and injury from trauma. We will always explain exactly why extraction is the recommended treatment for your specific situation before moving forward.
Before recommending extraction, we look closely at whether a tooth can be saved through other means. In many cases, a tooth that appears to be beyond repair can actually be treated successfully with root canal therapy, which removes the source of infection while preserving the natural tooth structure.
We understand that losing a tooth can feel like a big decision, so we never take that step lightly. If there is a reasonable way to save your tooth, we will guide you through that option so you can make an informed choice about your care.
Once we have determined that extraction is the right way to proceed, the procedure itself is straightforward. We begin by numbing the area thoroughly so you remain comfortable throughout, then gently loosen and remove the tooth from its socket.
Afterward, we will give you clear instructions for keeping the area clean and comfortable while it heals. Most patients find that any soreness fades within a few days, and normal eating and speaking return to routine fairly quickly. We are also always available if you have questions or concerns during your recovery.
Once a tooth has been removed, we will talk with you about the best way to fill that gap. Leaving a space in your smile for too long can allow neighboring teeth to shift out of position, which can affect your bite over time.
Depending on your needs, we may recommend a bridge or dentures to help restore the function and appearance of your smile. Our goal is to help you leave our office with a plan that keeps your whole mouth healthy, not just the one tooth we treated that day.
Walking into any dental appointment can feel a little nerve-wracking, especially when a tooth is already causing you pain. We do everything we can to make your visit calm and reassuring from the moment you sit in the chair.
Here is what you can expect when you come in for an extraction:
Every step of this process is designed with your comfort in mind, and our team is always happy to answer questions before, during, or after your visit.
While some extractions are unavoidable due to trauma or advanced disease, many can be prevented with consistent, proactive dental care. Routine cleanings and exams allow us to catch small problems, like early decay or gum disease, before they progress to the point of threatening a tooth.
Our periodontal team plays a big role here as well. Our hygienists are experienced at identifying early warning signs of gum disease, which is one of the most common reasons teeth eventually need to be removed, and helping you address it before it becomes a bigger problem.
Nobody wants to hear that a tooth needs to come out, but you can trust that we will only recommend it when it is genuinely the right choice for your overall and oral health. For over 30 years, Dr. Calhoun has treated patients throughout Asheville with the same philosophy: careful, honest care that puts your comfort and long-term health first.
If you are dealing with a painful or damaged tooth, do not wait for the problem to get worse. Reach out to our team today to schedule an appointment and find out what your best options are.
Questions about payments and financing options? Give us a call at (828) 277-2722.
Dr. Travis Calhoun has been treating patients throughout Asheville and western North Carolina for over 30 years. A born-and-raised Asheville native, he studied at the University of Georgia before completing his dental training at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and has run a fee-for-service family practice here ever since. Patients trust his unhurried, detail-oriented approach to every treatment plan.
"It is my mission to treat everybody like they were my mom. I want to keep my skills at the absolute highest level so I can deliver the best dental care available, in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere."
