Gentle Tooth Extractions in Johnson City, TN

Atraumatic Tooth Removal Dr. John Nauss, DMD ★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
Atraumatic Surgical Care

Gentle, comfortable tooth removal performed with jawbone preservation techniques.

While preserving your natural teeth is always our primary goal, there are situations where a tooth is damaged beyond repair due to severe decay, advanced fracture, or severe periodontal disease.

Dr. John Nauss performs gentle, atraumatic tooth extractions using micro-instruments designed to preserve the surrounding bone socket walls, minimizing discomfort and facilitating future implant placement.

Whether you require an emergency extraction for an infected tooth, wisdom tooth removal, or site preparation for dental implants, nitrous oxide is available in every operatory to help you relax. Oral and IV sedation will be offered in our office in the future.

When is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?

A safe, pain-free procedure that eliminates severe infection and prepares your mouth for restoration.

  • Severe Non-Restorable Decay: Removes teeth that cannot be rebuilt with a filling or crown, eliminating pain and spreading infection.
  • Atraumatic Bone Preservation: Preserves the delicate socket bone to maintain an ideal site for immediate or future dental implants.
  • Impacted or Painful Wisdom Teeth: Prevents crowding, cyst formation, and damage to adjacent second molars from impacted third molars.
  • Comfort Built In: Nitrous oxide is available in every operatory, and our operative rooms have ceiling TVs with noise-cancelling headphones.

The Extraction Procedure

Dr. Nauss administers thorough local anesthesia to ensure you feel only mild pressure without sharp pain. The tooth is gently mobilized and removed atraumatically.

In many cases, we place a bone graft into the empty socket (socket preservation) to prevent bone collapse and speed healing. Dissolvable stitches and gauze are placed to support clean clot formation.

Post-Extraction Aftercare Guidelines

Bite gently on gauze pads for 45 minutes to establish a blood clot. Avoid drinking through straws, spitting forcefully, or smoking for 72 hours to prevent painful dry socket. Stick to soft foods for 3 to 5 days.

Book your visit

Let's get it right.

Tell us a little about what you need and we'll be in touch to find a time that works. New patients of every age are welcome, and if it's been a while, that's fine too.

Call (423) 282-5208 Accepting new patients
HoursMonday to Thursday: 8am to 4:30pm
Friday to Sunday: Closed

Common Questions

Tooth Extractions FAQ.

Frequently asked questions regarding tooth extractions, dry socket prevention, and recovery.

Will I feel pain during a tooth extraction?

No. Local anesthesia numbs the tooth and surrounding area completely, and nitrous oxide is available if you'd like help relaxing. You'll feel pressure, but not sharp pain.

What is a dry socket and how can I prevent it?

A dry socket occurs when the protective blood clot in the socket is dislodged prematurely, exposing bone and nerves. Prevent it by avoiding drinking straws, smoking, spitting forcefully, and vigorous rinsing for 72 hours.

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

Initial soft tissue healing takes 3 to 5 days, while complete bone healing inside the socket takes several weeks. Most patients return to normal work routines within 1 to 2 days.

Can a dental implant be placed the same day as an extraction?

Often, yes. Dr. Nauss routinely places implants the same day a tooth is removed, and frequently attaches a temporary crown that day too, so you don't leave with a gap. It depends on bone and infection, which he'll check first.

What should I eat after having a tooth pulled?

Eat soft, cool foods such as smoothies (with a spoon, no straw), yogurt, applesauce, scrambled eggs, and lukewarm soups for the first 3 days.

Does dental insurance cover tooth extractions?

Many plans cover extractions. We're in network with Delta Dental Premier only, we'll help you file out-of-network claims with other plans, and we offer financing and a membership plan.

Have more questions? Call our Johnson City office at (423) 282-5208.