Tooth Extraction

Expert Tooth Extractions in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Gentle, Surgical Tooth Removal When It's the Right Choice

At Waccamaw Oral Surgery, our top priority is preserving your natural teeth whenever possible. But when a tooth becomes too damaged, decayed, or impacted to save, a tooth extraction may be the best option for protecting your long-term oral health.

Dr. Lucia Covington, DMD, OMFS is a board-certified oral surgeon offering expert tooth extractions in Murrells Inlet, SC — including surgical and emergency removals. Whether you need a single tooth removed or multiple extractions in preparation for implants or orthodontics, you can trust that your care will be handled with surgical precision and compassionate support.

Why Tooth Extraction May Be Necessary

We never take removing a tooth lightly. In most cases, extractions are only recommended when other treatment options — such as a root canal, crown, or restorative procedures — are no longer viable.

Common reasons for tooth extraction include:

Severe decay or infection that can’t be treated with root canal therapy
Fractured or broken teeth that cannot be repaired
Impacted wisdom teeth causing pain, infection, or misalignment
Advanced periodontal (gum) disease leading to tooth instability
Crowding in preparation for orthodontics
Failed baby teeth that won’t fall out on their own
Preparation for dentures or full-mouth reconstruction

Dr. Covington will always walk you through your options and help you make an informed decision — prioritizing both your comfort and your future oral health.

What to Expect Before an Extraction

Before performing any tooth extraction, we begin with a comprehensive consultation and exam, including:

Full medical and dental history review
Digital X-rays to evaluate tooth root position and surrounding bone
Anesthesia/sedation planning based on procedure complexity and your comfort level

Depending on the tooth’s position and condition, we may recommend

Simple extraction – For fully erupted teeth
Surgical extraction – For impacted, broken, or partially erupted teeth

You’ll also receive detailed pre- and post-op instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

We also offer sedation for children and adolescents when appropriate, especially for those undergoing extractions, trauma care, or with special needs.

Sedation Options for Anxiety-Free Care

We understand that the idea of tooth removal can be stressful. That’s why we offer multiple sedation options to ensure a calm and pain-free experience:

Local anesthesia – Numbs the area around the tooth
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) – Reduces anxiety while keeping you alert
IV sedation – Helps you relax or sleep through the procedure (ideal for surgical extractions or anxious patients)

Our goal is to ensure that you feel safe, supported, and completely comfortable from start to finish.

The Tooth Extraction Process

Each tooth extraction is tailored to the specific situation, but here’s what you can generally expect:

Anesthesia is administered to numb the area and reduce discomfort.
For simple extractions, the tooth is gently loosened and lifted out with specialized tools.
For surgical extractions, a small incision is made in the gum to access the tooth or its root. The tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal.
Bone grafting material may be placed in the socket to preserve bone — especially if you plan to replace the tooth with a dental implant.
The area is cleaned and sutured, and gauze is placed to control bleeding.

You’ll receive aftercare instructions and, if needed, a prescription for pain management or antibiotics.

Recovery After Tooth Removal

Recovery time varies based on the complexity of the extraction and your overall health. Most patients return to normal activity within 1–3 days, with full healing over 1–2 weeks.

We recommend:

Rest and limited activity for the first 24–48 hours
Avoiding smoking, drinking through straws, or vigorous rinsing
Eating soft foods and staying hydrated
Taking all prescribed medication as directed

If bone grafting was performed or multiple teeth were removed, Dr. Covington may schedule a follow-up to ensure proper healing.

Preventing Future Complications

Tooth extractions aren’t just about removing a problem, they’re about preventing future issues. Removing a damaged or infected tooth can:

Stop the spread of infection
Relieve pain and pressure
Prevent bone loss or shifting of surrounding teeth
Create room for orthodontic or restorative treatment

We’ll also guide you through options for replacing the tooth — including dental implants, bridges, or implant-supported dentures — if long-term replacement is needed.

Financing

Tooth Extraction Financing & Insurance

Tooth extractions are often covered by dental or medical insurance, depending on the reason and type of procedure. We work with most major carriers and will help verify your benefits.

We also offer CareCredit to make financing your care easier with flexible monthly payments.

Have a perfect smile!

Schedule a Consultation for Tooth Extraction

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or need a second opinion on extraction, don’t wait. At Waccamaw Oral Surgery, we offer safe, professional extractions with a focus on your long-term oral health — and your comfort every step of the way.