Medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Kibler

Tooth Extractions in Summerville, SC

A tooth that is badly broken, severely infected, or loose from gum disease can cause constant pain and put the teeth around it at risk. When a tooth cannot be saved, removing it is often the fastest way to stop the pain, clear the infection, and protect the rest of your mouth. Waiting usually makes things harder. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth disorders led to an average of about 1.9 million emergency room visits a year from 2020 to 2022, many for problems a dental office could have treated sooner.

At Old Trolley Dental Associates, gentle tooth extractions are part of our restorative dentistry services in Summerville, SC, and most cases, including many surgical extractions, are handled right here in our office. Dr. Michael Skovira completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina with extensive surgical training and now trains MUSC dental students in oral surgery. Dr. Scott Kibler has practiced in Summerville since 2006, so you stay with doctors who already know you.

When a Tooth Extraction May Be Necessary

Saving your natural tooth is always our first goal. Extraction becomes the right choice when a tooth can no longer be repaired or when keeping it would harm your health.

Severe Decay

Too much of the tooth is lost for a filling, crown, or root canal to restore.

Cracked Below the Gum

A fracture that runs into the root cannot be sealed or crowned.

Advanced Gum Disease

Bone loss has left the tooth too loose to support.

Infection or Abscess

An infection that cannot be cleared while the tooth stays in place.

Crowding or Impaction

Teeth blocking others, including wisdom teeth with no room to erupt.

If you are unsure whether your tooth can be saved, we will walk you through every option, including the pros and cons of keeping versus removing it.

Simple and Surgical Extractions

The type of extraction depends on where the tooth sits and how much of it is visible. Here is how the two approaches compare.

	Simple Extraction	Surgical Extraction
Used for	Teeth fully visible above the gum	Impacted teeth or teeth broken at the gumline
How it is done	Tooth is gently loosened and lifted out	Small gum incision, sometimes sectioning the tooth
Numbing	Local anesthetic	Local anesthetic
Stitches	Rarely	Often
Typical healing	A few days of mild soreness	About a week of soreness and swelling

Because of Dr. Skovira’s surgical training, we complete most surgical extractions in-house. If a case is unusually complex, we will tell you and coordinate a referral to an oral surgeon. Patients who feel anxious about either type of procedure may benefit from our sedation dentistry options. Oral sedation is available and can make a significant difference in comfort for patients who feel nervous about dental work.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Extraction

Before your appointment, tell us about every medication and supplement you take, especially blood thinners, and let us know if you have a heart condition, an artificial joint, a weakened immune system, or any other medical conditions. We review X-rays, and when needed 3D cone beam imaging, to see the roots and nearby structures before we begin.

We start by fully numbing the area. You will feel pressure but should not feel pain, and we can pause at any time if you need a break. Most simple extractions take only a few minutes once you are numb, and surgical extractions usually take under an hour. Afterward, we place gauze over the socket and go over your aftercare instructions before you leave.

Healing After a Tooth Extraction

Most patients feel much better within a few days, and the gum usually closes over the site in one to two weeks.

First Hour

Bite firmly on gauze for 30 to 45 minutes so a clot can form.

First 24 Hours

Rest, ice the cheek, and avoid rinsing, spitting, or straws.

Days 2 to 4

Soreness eases. Start gentle salt water rinses and eat soft foods.

Weeks 1 to 2

The gum closes over the site, and normal eating returns.

Protecting the blood clot is the most important part of healing. Losing it too early can cause dry socket, a painful condition that usually appears two to four days after the extraction.

Change gauze gently: Use a clean, slightly damp piece only if bright red bleeding continues, and bite down for 30 minutes.
Avoid suction and smoke: Skip straws, smoking, and vaping while the site heals.
Eat soft, cool foods: Choose yogurt, soup, eggs, and mashed potatoes, and chew on the other side.
Keep your head elevated: Rest with extra pillows the first night and avoid strenuous exercise for a day or two.
Brush carefully: Keep brushing your other teeth, and clean near the site gently starting the next day.

Call us if bleeding does not slow with firm pressure, if pain gets worse after a few days, or if you develop a fever or increasing swelling.

Replacing an Extracted Tooth

Unless the tooth is a wisdom tooth or was removed for orthodontic reasons, we recommend planning a replacement. A gap lets nearby teeth drift, changes your bite, and allows the jawbone to shrink over time. Options include dental implants, the closest option to a natural tooth, dental bridges anchored to the neighboring teeth, and dentures and partials when several teeth are missing. We talk through replacement before your extraction, so you leave with a clear plan for what comes next.

Tooth Extraction Cost and Insurance

Simple extractions generally cost less than surgical ones, and the total depends on the tooth and whether imaging or other treatment is needed. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of extractions. We accept many PPO plans, including Aetna, Ameritas, Cigna, Delta Dental PPO, Guardian, United Concordia, and UnitedHealthcare, and we offer financing options such as CareCredit, Cherry, and an in-house membership plan for patients without insurance.

In Pain From a Damaged Tooth?

Most extractions, including many surgical cases, are handled in our Summerville office.

What to Do If You Think You Need an Extraction

Do not try to pull or wiggle a painful tooth out yourself, since a broken root can lead to infection. Rinse with warm salt water, take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed, and use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling. Avoid chewing on the painful side. Call our office so we can examine the tooth, because it may still be savable. If you are in significant pain, call 843-960-0389 and we will find the soonest time to see you. If swelling spreads to your eye or neck, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency room.

Tooth Extraction FAQs

Here are answers to the questions patients ask us most often about having a tooth removed.

Does a tooth extraction hurt?

The area is fully numbed, so you should feel pressure but not sharp pain during the extraction. Some soreness afterward is normal and is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?

Most people feel better within three to four days after a simple extraction and about a week after a surgical one. The gum typically closes in one to two weeks, while the bone continues to heal for several months.

What can I eat after a tooth extraction?

Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, applesauce, soup that is not too hot, eggs, and mashed potatoes for the first few days. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or very hot foods, and slowly return to your normal diet as you feel comfortable.

How can I tell dry socket from normal healing?

Normal soreness gradually improves each day. Dry socket causes pain that gets worse two to four days after the extraction, often spreading to the ear, sometimes with a bad taste or an empty-looking socket. Call us if you notice these signs.

Can a tooth be pulled the same day?

In many cases, yes, especially for dental emergencies. It depends on the tooth, your health history, and whether an infection needs to be treated first. Call our office to find out how soon we can see you.

Do I need to replace a pulled tooth?

Wisdom teeth usually do not need to be replaced. For most other teeth, replacing the tooth helps keep your bite stable, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, and protects the jawbone.

Gentle Tooth Extractions at Old Trolley Dental Associates

Dr. Michael Skovira’s surgical training and teaching role at MUSC, combined with Dr. Scott Kibler’s two decades of practice in Summerville, mean most extractions, including many complex ones, stay in the office you already know. Our practice has earned over 1000 five-star reviews, and we plan your tooth replacement before your extraction, so there are no surprises. You can meet our doctors before your visit.

If a tooth is causing pain or you have been told it may need to come out, we can evaluate it and explain every option. Contact Old Trolley Dental Associates or call 843-376-6929 to schedule your appointment in Summerville, SC.