Dental Extractions in Sandy Springs, GA

We understand that an extraction can be a daunting prospect. With the right care and expertise, the process is smooth and comfortable. Whether the cause is severe decay, advanced gum disease, or preparation for orthodontic treatment, we support you through every step.

When an extraction is necessary

• Severe tooth decay — when decay has destroyed enough of the tooth that a filling or crown cannot restore it.
• Advanced periodontal disease — when gum disease has damaged the supporting bone and the tooth has loosened.
• Impacted wisdom teeth — when third molars lack the space to emerge, causing pain, infection, or damage to neighbouring teeth.
• Orthodontic preparation — to create space for alignment.
• Damaged teeth — teeth broken beyond repair by trauma.

The procedure

Dr. Choy begins with a comprehensive evaluation and discusses your options. If an extraction is the right course, she explains the procedure and addresses your concerns before anything begins.

• Preparation. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic. Sedation options are available for anxiety or more extensive procedures.
• Extraction. The tooth is removed with specialized instruments; the technique depends on its condition and position.
• Aftercare. You leave with written instructions for managing pain, swelling, and diet.

Post-extraction care

• Control bleeding. Bite on a gauze pad over the site for 30 to 45 minutes; replace it if bleeding persists.
• Manage pain. Take prescribed medication as directed; over-the-counter ibuprofen is also effective.
• Reduce swelling. Apply an ice pack ten minutes on, ten minutes off.
• Eat softly. Stick to soft foods and avoid hot liquids for the first 24 hours.
• Keep clean. Brush as usual but avoid the site, and rinse gently with warm salt water starting 24 hours after.

Common questions

Can the tooth be saved instead?

Often, yes, and that is always the first question. A root canal saves a tooth whose nerve is infected but whose structure is sound; a crown saves one that is cracked or heavily broken down. Extraction is what is left when there is not enough healthy tooth to restore, when the tooth is split below the gum, or when severe gum disease has taken the bone that held it. You will hear the alternatives before anything is removed.

How long does recovery take?

For a straightforward extraction, most of the discomfort settles within two to three days and normal eating returns within a week. A surgical extraction, including most impacted wisdom teeth, takes longer and involves more swelling. You will get specific aftercare instructions for your own case.

What is a dry socket and how do I avoid it?

It is what happens when the blood clot protecting the healing socket is dislodged, exposing bone, and it is genuinely painful. The main causes are smoking, drinking through a straw, and vigorous rinsing in the first few days. Avoiding those three things for the first 48 to 72 hours prevents most cases.

Do I need to replace the tooth afterwards?

For a back molar you rarely see, sometimes not. But a gap lets the teeth either side drift and the opposing tooth over-erupt, and the bone in the gap recedes over time. If you are going to replace it, planning that before the extraction usually gives a better result than deciding years later.