RA May, DDS

R. Alan May, DDS

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(276) 988-5554

235 Campbell Lane
Tazewell, VA 24651

RA May, DDS > Services > Extractions

Dr. May provides gentle tooth extractions in Tazewell and offers tooth replacement options customized for your smile.

We Offer Custom-Made Tooth Replacements!

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Extractions in Tazewell, VA

While our primary goal is always to preserve your natural teeth, sometimes extractions become necessary to prevent further damage or to make way for a more effective treatment.

Dental extractions are the removal of teeth from their socket in the bone. At RA May, DDS, we handle every extraction with meticulous care and precision, assuring your comfort throughout the process. With our professional approach and personal touch, we ensure that dental extractions don't have to be a stressful experience.

When Are Dental Extractions Necessary?

Extractions in Tazewell are not an everyday occurrence, but sometimes they become unavoidable. Here are some circumstances when an extraction might be necessary:

Severely Decayed Tooth – If tooth decay reaches the tooth pulp, bacteria can cause an infection. Often your dentist can correct this with a root canal. However, extraction may be necessary if the infection is too severe to save the tooth.
Overcrowded Teeth – To make room for better alignment, teeth may need to be removed, especially in preparation for orthodontics.
Advanced Gum Disease – Periodontal disease, an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth, might necessitate a tooth extraction if it has caused loosening of the teeth.

The Tooth Extraction Process

At RA May, DDS, your comfort and well-being are our top priorities. Before the extraction process, we'll ensure you are well informed about the procedure. Dr. May then administers local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. Tooth extraction does require varying degrees of pressure which can be described as a strong "squeezing" feeling. Most people are able to tolerate this without any issues. However, if you would like to learn about sedation options, then Dr. May can provide you with information for local oral surgeons.

After the Tooth Extraction

Once the tooth extraction is complete, Dr. May will provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote smooth healing. This typically includes guidance on managing potential woman cold compressing her right cheek discomfort and swelling and maintaining oral hygiene during the healing process. We will discuss potential tooth replacement options, including bridges, dentures, or dental implants. Dr. May can refer you to a local tooth replacement specialist for dental implants or dentures. Please note, we DO NOT PRESCRIBE any narcotic pain medication at our dental office, and if you believe your pain to be unmanageable otherwise, then you will need to seek urgent medical care.

Tips for Swift and Successful Recovery

Proper care after a tooth extraction is essential for healing. Here are some tips:

Avoid rinsing, using a straw, or spitting for at least 72 hours to protect the newly formed blood clot in the socket.
After 72 hours, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution several times daily.
Eat soft foods like yogurt, pudding, and soup for the first few days, gradually adding solid foods as the extraction site heals.
Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can hinder the healing process.
Brush and floss your teeth as usual but avoid the extraction site.
Swelling and discomfort are normal after an extraction. Use an ice pack outside your cheek and over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by your Tazewell dentist to manage symptoms.
Go to any follow-up appointments to monitor healing and discuss potential tooth replacement options.

Your Reliable Partner for Tooth Extractions in Tazewell, VA

As a preferred Tazewell dentist, we understand that the idea of a tooth extraction can be daunting. That's why our RA May, DDS team is committed to providing a calm, comfortable, and reassuring environment for your dental needs.

Call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. May!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat normally after a tooth extraction?

Dental extractions are sometimes necessary for various reasons, and you can eat normally soon after. However, there is a minor recovery period when you should stick to soft foods.

Why You Might Need a Tooth Extraction in Tazewell, VA

Your dentist may recommend tooth extraction if you have a damaged or deeply decayed tooth beyond repair or a tooth that cannot be salvaged with a dental crown.

Additionally, you may opt for extraction overtreatment, which we don’t recommend!

If we pull your tooth, it’s important to consider tooth replacement to preserve your bite and overall dental health.

When we extract your tooth, we use powerful anesthesia so you’ll not feel pain. Then, we send you home with instructions for a prompt recovery.

For the first day or two, we recommend avoiding tobacco in all forms, not drinking through a straw, and periodic rinses. When rinsing, allow the liquid to trickle from the mouth rather than forcefully spitting. Following these instructions helps the extraction site form a healing clot for a speedy recovery.

You should stick to soft foods for the first twenty-four hours and avoid chewing on the extraction site.

Your dentist will provide more personalized instructions based on your case.

Contact Your Dentist in Tazewell, VA

To learn more or to book a consultation with the dentist, contact our dental office today.

Will I need antibiotics after a tooth extraction?

Dr. May will decide if you should take antibiotics after a tooth extraction. If your tooth was removed due to an infection, he will likely prescribe a round of antibiotics to help combat the infection and ensure you are rid of it.

Other Tips for Healing After Tooth Extraction

Immediately after tooth extraction, you'll need to manage the bleeding by biting down on gauze until it stops. Dr. May could also prescribe pain medication to help you manage your discomfort after tooth extraction.

Plan on getting plenty of rest right after your tooth extraction and take some time off to heal. A cold compress will help you manage swelling after your surgery.

Eat soft foods at room temperature for the first few days after tooth extraction. Foods like soup, smoothies, applesauce, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs are ideal for nourishing you while avoiding irritation to your surgical site.

Avoid vigorous activities like exercise for at least 72 hours after oral surgery. You should also avoid activities like smoking cigarettes or drinking through a straw that could dislodge your blood clot for the same amount of time.

If you have questions about tooth extraction in Tazewell, VA, or you're looking for a "dentist near me" to help, contact May DDS at (276) 988-5554.

Do you take out teeth?

Yes, at RA May, DDS, we offer tooth extractions, also known as tooth removal. However, we only remove teeth when it's absolutely necessary to protect a patient's oral health. We also offer tooth replacement options like dental bridges if needed.

Our Tazewell dentist, Dr. May, is experienced in performing gentle tooth extractions when necessary. Everyone on our team understands that the thought of having a tooth removed can cause anxiety for some patients. Therefore, at our Tazewell dental office, we ensure that the extraction process is carried out with the utmost care, making it as comfortable and stress-free as possible for you.

Our priority is your dental health, and if a tooth extraction is the best treatment for your needs, you can trust us to guide you through the process smoothly.

Gentle Tooth Extractions in Tazewell, VA

Do you have a severely damaged tooth that needs professional care? Please call RA May, DDS, for guidance, and Dr. May will be pleased to assess your situation and design a treatment plan just for you.

We welcome patients from all surrounding areas, including Tazewell, Lebanon, Bluefield (VA and WVA), Richlands, and beyond.

How do I know if I need a tooth extraction?

No one wants to hear they need a dental extraction! At RA May, DDS, we understand that deciding to remove a tooth can feel overwhelming, but if it’s best for your oral health, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Our compassionate team will carefully evaluate your needs and explore all options to ensure you get the best care possible.

Does My Tooth Need to Be Extracted?

Here are some of the signs you may need a tooth extraction:

Overcrowding — If your teeth don’t have enough space to move, extraction may be necessary.
Periodontal infection — If your gums are infected, it can lead to tooth infection, making extraction the best choice.
Tooth decay — If your tooth has severe decay that a filling can’t fix, we may have to extract it.
Physical damage — If you break or damage a tooth, extraction may be your only option.

Symptoms of Dental Issues

Some of the symptoms to watch for include the following:

Severe tooth pain
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Jaw pain and stiffness
Extreme swelling

Need a Dentist in Tazewell, VA?

If you have questions about tooth extraction in Tazewell, VA, our experienced dental team will happily assist you! At RA May, DDS, our goal is for you to achieve the best oral health possible.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us at (276) 988-5554.

Meet Our Doctor:

Ricky Alan May DDS
Dentist and Owner

Bringing many years of extensive experience and knowledge to the dental field, Dr. May has dedicated his career to ensuring patient safety and providing quality dental care.

Dr. May received his undergraduate degree from Roanoke College, after which he pursued his passion for dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. After running a successful dental practice in Roanoke, VA for several years, Dr. May joined our team in August 2022.

His favorite aspect of working in dentistry is providing long-lasting solutions to dental problems. He finds immense satisfaction in helping patients improve their oral ...

Featured Blog Posts - Extractions

April 21, 2025

Recovering from Tooth Extraction: Dos and Don’ts

Tooth extraction recovery is pretty straightforward if you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. The process itself is not painful because we use strong local anesthesia and a gentle hand.

Why You Might Need Tooth Extraction

Dentists recommend tooth extraction in Tazewell, VA, for various reasons, including:

Damaged Tooth: A deeply damaged or decayed tooth that cannot be saved with a crown should be extracted.
Loose Tooth: Issues like periodontal disease can cause teeth to loosen and even fall out.
Before Treatment: Sometimes, we recommend an extraction before specific treatments, such as bridgework.
Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom ...

What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction procedures don't have to be stressful, especially when you know what to expect throughout the process. That's why we're here to guide you through the process step-by-step today.

Step #1 The Initial Consultation

The first step in determining if you need a tooth extraction is an initial evaluation with Dr. May. He'll perform a thorough examination and may take x-rays to determine if tooth extraction is your best option because saving your natural tooth is always our goal. Dr. May only recommends tooth extraction as a last resort.