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Tooth Extraction

When decay, trauma, or crowding puts a tooth in jeopardy, sometimes an extraction is the best way to restore your oral health.

Oral & Implant Surgery of the Lowcountry in Charleston and Walterboro, SC, makes this procedure quick and virtually painless.

Dr. Matt Dillard is a board-certified oral surgeon who can use gentle and precise techniques to enhance your oral health through extraction.

Protect Your Smile with Tooth Extraction

Whether you have a cracked tooth, extensive dental decay, or wisdom teeth that need to be removed, Dr. Matt Dillard can help. Single tooth extractions can generally be performed the same day as a consultation. Dr. Dillard offers sedation options at Oral & Implant Surgery of the Lowcountry to help patients relax and experience a comfortable extraction.

"I've had headaches more painful than my extraction." Hear from Our Patients

1

Stephanie Cruz

2020

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They were amazing from the start. I needed to get my both bottom wisdom teeth extracted. The whole staff was very kind to me from the front desk ladies to the nurses and doctor. The day of my procedure I was a nervous wreck, I honestly have a big fear of dental work. But the nurses were comforting me and one gave me a hug. I just felt more at ease in their care.

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1

Aimar McQueeney

2018

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Dr. Dillard and staff are really great! I have had headaches that caused more discomfort than this tooth extraction. I needed a baby tooth that was fused to the bone jawbone removed for a dental implant. I have had no bruising, discomfort or complications. I recommend Dr. Dillard to anyone who needs major or extensive dental surgery...

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Request a Consultation

Damaged or problematic teeth will not get better on their own. If you have suffered dental trauma or are in pain and need a tooth extraction, it's wise to take care of the issue promptly. Timely action will allow you to focus on improving your dental health.

Oral & Implant Surgery of the Lowcountry, with offices in Charleston and Walterboro, SC, has an experienced and compassionate team of specialists. We use the latest in dental technology, such as digital x-rays and 3-D cone beam CT scans, to provide top-tier dental care effectively and comfortably.

Unlike typical dentists, Dr. Dillard is a skilled, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He is trained to perform complex dental procedures and, in addition to removing a tooth, has the advanced dentistry skills to restore the missing tooth and rebuild your smile so you can move forward with your life. Email our office or call us to get started:

(843) 782-6725

Dr. Matt Dillard
Dr. Dillard has dental offices in Charleston (above) and Walterboro.

While wisdom teeth removal is not necessary for everyone, many people suffer complications related to third molars that require extraction. Still others elect to have them removed in order to avoid the risk of complications altogether. Here are some common questions about wisdom tooth removal to help guide your conversation with Dr. Dillard:

Why do they need to be removed?

Wisdom teeth (also referred to as the third molars) typically erupt from the gums between the ages of 17 and 21. In most cases, there is simply not enough room for these teeth to grow in properly. Instead, they may get trapped underneath the gums, erupt at irregular angles, or shift existing teeth out of alignment in the process of development.

When is the best time for the procedure?

We recommend getting wisdom tooth extractions proactively (before you experience painful complications and need more expensive treatment). Ideally, a patient will undergo the procedure between the ages of 18 and 24, when the root is partially developed but not yet fully formed. However, you can schedule the procedure at any time if your wisdom teeth are causing problems.

Under what circumstances can I keep my wisdom teeth?

While roughly 85% of wisdom teeth need to be removed, there are some circumstances in which it is safe to retain the teeth. If the third molars fully erupt in the correct position and remain healthy and functional, there is no reason to schedule extractions. However, it is best to consult with Dr. Dillard to see if this is a viable option in your case. 

"I cannot say enough good things." More Glowing Reviews

1

MissShoRight Shosho

2018

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Excellent customer service! I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed here at once. They explained the entire procedure to me before I decided to go ahead and have the surgery. The staff was extremely professional and made sure that I was comfortable the entire time. I would recommend this office to anyone! I was also impressed with how clean the office and operating room was!

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1

Magenta Kline

2018

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I can not say enough good things about this office and Dr. Dillard! I was going to have to wait two weeks just to get an appointment at all of the other oral surgeons in town, but Dr. Dillard's office got me in super quickly and they were extremely nice! I will be recommending them everyone I know!

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You Have Nothing to Worry About... Tooth Extractions Take Just a Few Easy Steps

Dr. Dillard at Oral & Implant Surgery of the Lowcountry in Charleston and Walterboro, SC, uses the latest dentistry techniques and technology to make extraction safe and effective. His gentle techniques will put you on the path to better oral health and put discomfort behind you.
Our trusted oral surgeon deftly handles both simple and complex extractions, such as impacted teeth.
Our trusted oral surgeon deftly handles both simple and complex extractions, such as impacted teeth.

Consultation

Dr. Dillard will first determine if extraction is absolutely necessary. He may use advanced imaging technology to see the tooth structure beneath the gums and identify any other issues that could complicate the procedure, such as nearby nerves that need to be protected.

Administer Anesthesia

Before the extraction, Dr. Dillard will use anesthesia to carefully numb the treatment area. We also offer sedation for patients who want a higher level of relaxation or for those who have difficulty sitting for long periods.

Loosening the Tooth

In many cases, the tooth can be gently loosened and removed. For more complex cases, the doctor may need to make small incisions in the gum and bone tissue to release the tooth from the socket. He may also break up the tooth so it can be removed in pieces.

Socket Preservation

Unless you are having wisdom teeth removed, we generally recommend socket preservation after a tooth is removed. This is a simple type of bone grafting that encourages bone growth in the socket and helps preserve the alveolar ridge. If you are planning on replacing the tooth using a dental implant, socket preservation helps ensure you have the necessary bone density.

Closing the Treatment Site

If needed, sutures will be placed over the tooth socket to encourage healing and minimize bleeding. However, many people simply need to gently bite down on a piece of sterile gauze to slow the bleeding and help a blood clot form. Bleeding is typically minimal after an extraction.

Minor side effects like swelling, bleeding, and tenderness are to be expected in the first few days following your procedure. If you have questions at any time in your treatment please send us a message and we will be happy to assist you.

Ready to Restore Your Oral Health?

Take the first step and schedule a consultation at our dental practice today. You can reach our offices in Charleston and Walterboro online, or by calling (843) 782-6725.

What Our Patients Say More Glowing Reviews

1

Kasi Edwards (Kasi)

2018

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THANK YOU DR DILLARD!! I had wisdom teeth removal and the experience with him and his staff was awesome!! They made me comfortable and I felt well taken care of!! I had to revisit the office today as a follow up. Again the service was consistently at a level of excellence! HIS ASSISTANT was amazing as well and I am appreciative!!

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1

john Buddin

July 17, 20XX

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Professional staff, very friendly and informative. Dr Dillard is very competent and involved in the healing process and my comfort. Not looking forward to implant surgery but wouldn't go anywhere else.

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Restoring Your Smile After an Extraction

While tooth extractions restore your oral health, they can also negatively affect the appearance of your smile. Fortunately, Dr. Dillard offers a range of restorative options at our Charleston and Walterboro offices- including top-of-the-line dental implants.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

There are many options to replace a missing tooth, but dental implants offer the most complete tooth restoration available.

A dental implant is a small post that is inserted into the jaw. After the implant has fused with the bone, it is paired with a tooth-shaped restoration to fully restore the tooth's structure, from root to crown.

No other tooth restoration includes the root, which is the essential part that sends signals to the jaw to replenish the bone. Without this stimulation, the bone will deteriorate, weakening the tooth socket and jaw. Unlike many dentists, Dr. Dillard has extensive training in the highly technique-sensitive field of implant dentistry. Our Charleston-headquartered practice can help you experience the many important benefits of this solution.

Implant in model of jaw
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Oral & Implant Surgery of the Lowcountry

Dr. Matt Dillard is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon dedicated to your health and well being. He is highly trained in the diagnosing and treating oral health issues of the jaw, mouth, teeth, and face and performs procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, and bone grafting at his state-of-the-art practices in Charleston and Walterboro, SC. He also offers emergency dentistry and affordable financing through CareCredit.

Affiliations include:

  • Medical University of South Carolina
  • American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • American Dental Association

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dillard use our simple online form or call us anytime at (843) 410-5766. We look forward to meeting your smile.

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