Tooth Removal / Extractions

A tooth may need to be removed when it is too damaged or decayed to restore, causing pain or infection that can't be resolved another way, creating crowding that affects orthodontic treatment, or blocking the placement of an implant or denture. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether removal is the right step for your situation.

Tooth removal typically doesn't hurt, since the area around the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia before the procedure begins. Laughing gas and oral conscious sedation are available if you need extra help staying relaxed. Some soreness and swelling afterward is normal and typically resolves within a few days.

Most routine extractions are completed in a single appointment that takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the tooth's location and condition. More complex cases may take longer, but your dentist will give you a clear idea of what to expect before the procedure begins so you can plan accordingly.

After an extraction, it is important to keep the area clean and avoid anything that could disturb the healing process. Avoid using a straw, smoking, or eating hard or crunchy foods in the days following your tooth removal. We will give you specific aftercare instructions to help the area heal as quickly and comfortably as possible.

If you have remaining teeth that are too damaged or unhealthy to keep, removing them before fitting your denture gives your dentist a clean, stable foundation to work from. This helps ensure your denture fits as well as possible and reduces the risk of ongoing dental problems beneath the restoration.

Removing a tooth is sometimes necessary to relieve crowding prior to orthodontic treatment. This gives your remaining teeth the space they need to shift into proper alignment. Your dentist will evaluate your bite and spacing to determine whether extraction is the right step before starting clear aligner or other orthodontic treatment.

A dry socket happens when the blood clot that forms after tooth extraction becomes dislodged or dissolves before the area has fully healed, exposing the bone underneath. It can be quite painful, but it's also preventable. Avoiding straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing in the days after your extraction significantly reduces the risk of developing one.

When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the surrounding teeth can gradually shift into the space over time, affecting your bite and the alignment of your smile. Replacing the tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture helps prevent this from happening and keeps the rest of your smile stable and properly aligned.