Tooth Extractions That Put Your Comfort First

Sometimes the best way to protect your oral health is to remove a tooth that's beyond saving. At Black Dog Dental Studio, Dr. Pratheek Koneru performs both simple and surgical extractions in a calm, judgment-free environment — so you can get out of pain and move forward with a healthy smile. We serve patients from Mount Holly, Charlotte, Mountain Island, Paw Creek, and the surrounding communities.

When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

We always look for ways to save your natural tooth first — with fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy. But when a tooth is too damaged to restore, extraction is the right call. Common reasons we recommend removing a tooth include:

• Severe decay that has destroyed too much tooth structure to support a filling or crown
• Infection that has spread to the root and cannot be resolved with root canal therapy
• A cracked tooth that extends below the gumline
• Advanced gum disease that has caused significant bone loss around the tooth
• Impacted wisdom teeth causing crowding, pain, or damage to neighboring teeth
• Preparation for orthodontic treatment when overcrowding needs to be relieved

If you're in pain and unsure whether your tooth can be saved, the first step is an exam. Dr. Koneru will take X-rays, assess the tooth, and give you an honest recommendation.

Simple vs. Surgical Extractions — What's the Difference?

Simple Extractions

A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is fully visible above the gumline. Dr. Koneru loosens the tooth with a dental instrument called an elevator, then gently removes it with forceps. The procedure takes just a few minutes per tooth and is performed under local anesthesia so you won't feel pain during the process. Simple extractions are commonly used for:

• Severely decayed or broken-down teeth
• Loose teeth due to advanced gum disease
• Baby teeth that haven't fallen out on their own

Surgical Extractions

A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is impacted (fully or partially trapped beneath the gum), broken off at the gumline, or otherwise can't be removed in one piece. Dr. Koneru makes a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth, and may need to remove a small amount of bone or divide the tooth into sections. Surgical extractions are most commonly performed for:

• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Severely broken teeth with little structure above the gum
• Teeth with curved or complex root anatomy

Both procedures are performed with local anesthesia, and sedation options are available if you have dental anxiety. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the experience is.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Step 1 — Consultation and X-rays Dr. Koneru will review your dental and medical history, take X-rays if needed, and confirm that extraction is the right course of treatment. He'll also go over your options for replacing the tooth afterward, such as a dental implant or bridge.

Step 2 — Anesthesia The area around the tooth is thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia before anything else happens. You'll feel pressure during the extraction, but not pain. Sedation is available for patients with anxiety or for more complex surgical procedures.

Step 3 — The Extraction For a simple extraction, the process typically takes just 5–15 minutes per tooth. Surgical extractions take a bit longer depending on the complexity. Dr. Koneru will let you know what to expect for your specific case.

Step 4 — Aftercare Instructions Before you leave, our team will walk you through everything you need to know for a smooth recovery — what to eat, how to manage discomfort, and when to call us if something doesn't feel right.

Can a Dentist Pull an Infected Tooth the Same Day?

Yes — in many cases, Dr. Koneru can extract an infected tooth the same day you call. Dental infections don't wait, and neither do we.

When a tooth is severely infected, some dentists prefer to prescribe antibiotics first and schedule the extraction later. At Black Dog Dental Studio, we assess each situation individually. If the infection is localized and you're otherwise healthy, same-day extraction is often possible and is frequently the fastest way to get you out of pain.

If you have a dental emergency, call us at (704) 703-3393. We'll do our best to see you the same day and make a plan to address the pain quickly.

Signs you may need an urgent extraction:

• Throbbing toothache that doesn't respond to over-the-counter pain relief
• Visible swelling in the gum, jaw, or face
• Fever or a bad taste in your mouth (signs of infection spreading)
• A tooth that is visibly cracked, fractured, or has broken off

Important note: If you're experiencing severe facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or feel generally unwell, these can be signs of a spreading infection that requires emergency medical care. Go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Call for Same-Day Care → (704) 703-3393

Recovery and Aftercare

Most patients recover from a simple extraction within a few days. Surgical extractions, including wisdom tooth removals, may take 1–2 weeks for full healing. Here's what to do to keep recovery on track:

The first 24 hours:

• Bite gently on a gauze pad for 30–45 minutes to control bleeding
• Apply an ice pack to your cheek (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to reduce swelling
• Avoid straws, smoking, and forceful rinsing — these can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful dry socket
• Stick to soft foods: yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, smoothies (no straw)

Days 2–7:

• Swelling typically peaks at 48–72 hours, then gradually improves
• Take any prescribed medications as directed
• Rinse gently with warm salt water after meals
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or very hot foods near the extraction site

When to call us:

• Bleeding that doesn't slow after an hour of gentle pressure
• Severe or worsening pain after the first 2–3 days (may indicate dry socket)
• Fever, swelling that's getting worse, or discharge from the site

Most people are back to their normal routine within a few days of a simple extraction.

Replacing Your Tooth After Extraction

Removing a tooth is only half the conversation. When an adult tooth is extracted, the jawbone at that site begins to shrink over time — which can shift neighboring teeth and affect your bite. Dr. Koneru will discuss tooth replacement options with you at your appointment so you have a plan before the extraction takes place.

Dental implants are the most durable, natural-feeling replacement option. A titanium post is placed in the jawbone and topped with a custom crown. [Learn more about dental implants

Dental bridges fill the gap using crowns on the neighboring teeth to support a prosthetic tooth in between. [Learn more about dental bridges →]

Partial dentures are a removable option for replacing one or more missing teeth.

In some cases, a socket preservation procedure (bone grafting) is performed at the time of extraction to maintain bone volume for a future implant. Dr. Koneru will let you know if this applies to your situation.

Cost and Insurance

The cost of a tooth extraction at Black Dog Dental Studio depends on whether the extraction is simple or surgical, and the complexity of your specific case. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of extraction costs, particularly when the procedure is medically necessary.

We work with many major insurance providers and will verify your benefits before your appointment so you know what to expect. For patients without insurance, we're happy to discuss payment options.

Call us at (704) 703-3393 or use our ‍contact form to ask about your coverage before your visit.