Remove Damaged Teeth with a Tooth Extraction
Painless Tooth Extraction
While tooth extraction is generally the last resort for dentists, severe damage or infection can make it the only option to protect your oral health. If you have a tooth that is damaged beyond repair, Dr. Turner P. Emery at Knoxville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Knoxville, TN, can perform a safe and virtually painless tooth extraction. By electing to undergo your extraction at our office, you can benefit from a full range of oral surgery services, from bone grafting, to maintain the density of your jaw, to dental implant placement, to replace the extracted tooth.
Reasons for Extractions
Before recommending an extraction, your dentist will first try to save the tooth using a filling, root canal therapy, dental crown, or orthodontia. However, an extraction can replace the purpose of these treatments in certain cases:
Orthodontic Treatment
If your small jaw has led to overcrowding, removing a tooth may help correct your bite more effectively than traditional orthodontics.
Severe Infection or Decay
Removing a tooth with extensive decay or deep infection can eliminate serious pain, fever, and other symptoms.
Periodontal Disease
Left untreated, gum disease can destroy supportive gum tissue and severely loosen teeth. An extraction can eliminate discomfort.
Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth are unable to erupt properly, a wisdom tooth removal can prevent future complications.
Traumatic Injury
Severely broken or cracked teeth may require immediate extraction to avoid further damage.
At Knoxville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we can also remove stubborn baby teeth that need to be extracted to allow the emergence of adult teeth.
What to Expect
There are two types of extractions: simple and surgical. A simple extraction refers to procedures in which the tooth is already visible above the gum line. During this type of extraction, the doctor will gently loosen and remove the tooth with forceps.
At the time of extraction, we can also perform a ridge augmentation graft to preserve the integrity of your jaw.
A surgical extraction involves teeth that are partially or completely hidden under the gum line. Our oral surgeons can also remove teeth that have broken underneath the gum line.
At the time of extraction, we can also perform a ridge augmentation graft to preserve the integrity of your jaw. In some cases, we can also place dental implants during the same surgery.
Recovery and Aftercare
Even simple extractions are considered surgery, so it is important to take the time to recover after your procedure. You will likely experience some discomfort, which most patients manage with over-the-counter pain medication. Applying ice or cold compresses to the area can help reduce swelling and discomfort, as well.
After the procedure, a clot will form at the extraction site. It is important not to disturb this clot as this can cause a painful condition known as dry socket. Avoid smoking, using a straw, rinsing, or spitting for at least 24 hours. We also recommend eating soft foods, such as soup or pudding, the day after extraction.
Alleviate Pain and Discomfort
Our oral surgeons specialize in safe extractions that are as pain-free as possible. To learn more about extractions and the other surgical services we offer, contact our office online or call us at (865) 584-6207 today.
While tooth extraction is generally the last resort for dentists, there are a variety of reasons it may become necessary. Severe damage or infection can make extraction the only option to protect your oral health. If you have a tooth that is damaged beyond repair, Dr. Turner P. Emery at Knoxville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Knoxville, TN, can perform a safe and virtually painless tooth extraction. By electing to undergo your extraction at our office, you can benefit from a full range of oral surgery services, from bone grafting to maintain the density of your jaw after extraction to dental implant placement to replace the extracted tooth. We can provide IV sedation or another form of anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout your procedure.
Safe and Painfree Extractions
You can be confident in the care provided at Knoxville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to always put your best interest at the forefront.
Contact our practice online or reach out at (865) 240-2977 to learn more about our safe and virtually painless tooth extraction procedures.
Testimonials From Our Patients
We are proud to be able to provide our patients with access to first-rate surgical care, cutting-edge procedures, and an overall outstanding experience.
Dr. Emery did a fantastic job in providing tooth extraction and replacement with a dental implant. I had been anxious and he relieved my concerns immediately. He and his team provided a relatively pain-free experience and were available to answer all my questions quickly and professionally. I was so pleased with them that I took my daughter to Dr. Emery for her wisdom teeth extraction. We were both surprised at how well her pain had been managed and she never had to use opioids! If we need oral surgery again, we know where to go! Thank you, Dr. Emery, Dawn, Amanda, Meghan, Hannah, Wendy, and all the others!
- Lea Alexander
Painless procedures and quick recoveries. Couldn’t be more pleased. Highly recommend these oral surgeons.
- Robin Hutchins
Dr. Emery and his staff are so amazing. They really go the extra mile to make you comfortable and Dr. Emery’s bedside manner is like none I’ve ever seen before! He’s one of those doctors you hope you don’t have to go back to, but will be the ONLY one I do go to if it’s ever needed again. My only complaint is that he’s not in general dentistry because i wouldn’t be so terrified to go to a dentist if it was him. Great guy, great staff, great atmosphere!
- Allison Fritz
Awesome Staff, Excellent Doctors, Great Prices! Turned a ‘bad day’ into great experience! Been there twice- almost 2 years apart. Rock solid and highly recommended!
- Max Zimmerman
I have been terribly afraid of dentistry/oral surgery since having a very bad experience several years ago. When I learned that I had to have an implant, I was so anxious. However, I literally just walked out of this procedure, performed by Dr. Emery, and it was unequivocally the best experience I have ever had as far as my teeth. He was kind, patient, and gentle. I didn’t need sedation or nitrous oxide. I’m thrilled!
- Kari Hester
Our Office Locations
We have two office locations in Knoxville, TN.
West Knoxville Location
6207 Highland Pl Way, Ste 207
Knoxville, TN 37919
Directions
Hours: Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Phone: (865) 584-6207
North Knoxville Location
2939 Essary Dr, Ste 1
Knoxville, TN 37918
Directions
Hours:
Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Phone: (865) 240-2977
North Knoxville
West Knoxville
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tooth extraction take?
A simple extraction of a tooth that is fully visible above the gumline usually takes about 20 to 40 minutes once the area is numb. A surgical extraction, such as a tooth that has broken below the gumline or is still partly covered by bone, can take closer to an hour. Removing several teeth in one visit adds time as well.
If you choose IV sedation, plan to spend a little longer at the office, since our team monitors you before the procedure and while the sedation wears off. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home afterward.
How long does it take for a tooth extraction site to heal?
Most patients feel back to their usual routine within three to four days. The gum tissue over the socket typically closes within one to two weeks, and any dissolvable stitches break down on their own during that time. Underneath, the bone continues to fill in gradually over the next three to six months, which matters if you plan to replace the tooth with an implant.
Healing tends to take longer after a surgical extraction or when several teeth are removed at once. Not smoking, keeping the area clean, and following your aftercare instructions all help the site heal on schedule.
When can I exercise after a tooth extraction?
Wait at least 48 to 72 hours before running, lifting weights, or playing sports. Strenuous activity raises your heart rate and blood pressure, which can restart bleeding and loosen the blood clot that protects the socket. A short, easy walk is generally fine the day after your procedure.
After a surgical extraction or IV sedation, your surgeon may recommend waiting closer to a week. When you return to your workouts, start at a lighter intensity and stop if you notice throbbing or fresh bleeding at the extraction site.
What should I do if my extraction site keeps bleeding?
Light oozing during the first 24 hours is normal. If the bleeding continues, remove the old gauze, fold a fresh piece, place it directly over the socket, and bite down with firm, steady pressure for 30 to 45 minutes without checking it.
A moistened black tea bag also works well, because the tannic acid in tea helps blood clot. Keep your head elevated, avoid spitting, and skip hot drinks and exercise for the rest of the day.
If heavy bleeding continues after several hours of steady pressure, call our West Knoxville office at (865) 584-6207 or our North Knoxville office at (865) 240-2977.
What happens if I don't replace an extracted tooth?
Leaving the gap open can lead to gradual changes in your mouth. The teeth on either side may tilt or drift into the empty space, and the tooth above or below it can slowly move out of its socket because it no longer has anything to bite against.
Over time, these shifts can change your bite and create hard-to-clean spaces where decay and gum disease develop. The jawbone at the extraction site also shrinks without a tooth root to stimulate it, which can make a future implant more complex.