We always explore every option to save a natural tooth before recommending extraction. However, when a tooth is too severely damaged, infected, or impacted to restore, extraction becomes the best decision for your overall oral health. At Dentist, we approach every extraction — simple or surgical — with the same precision and care to minimize trauma and maximize healing speed.
Simple vs. Surgical Extractions
A simple extraction is performed when the tooth is fully visible above the gumline. After numbing the area, the tooth is loosened with an elevator and removed with forceps. Simple extractions typically take 10–20 minutes per tooth.
A surgical extraction is required for broken teeth, impacted teeth, or teeth with curved or fused roots. A small incision is made in the gum tissue, and in some cases the tooth is sectioned for easier removal. Our use of 3D cone beam CT imaging allows us to plan the exact surgical approach before touching the tooth, significantly reducing operating time and post-op swelling.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Third molars (wisdom teeth) often lack space to erupt properly, becoming impacted — trapped beneath the gum or bone. Impacted wisdom teeth cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent molars if not removed. We evaluate all four wisdom teeth with panoramic X-ray and 3D imaging, and typically remove all impacted teeth in a single appointment under IV or oral sedation for comfort.
Socket Preservation
After extraction, we offer socket bone grafting to preserve the jaw bone volume at the extraction site. This is particularly important if you are considering a dental implant in the future. Without grafting, the bone at the extraction site can shrink by up to 50% in the first year, complicating or ruling out future implant placement.
Recovery
Expect 3–7 days of mild to moderate soreness following surgical extractions. We provide detailed post-op instructions, prescription pain medication if needed, and a follow-up call the next business day. Most patients return to normal activity within 3 days.
