What is dental extractions?
A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth that can no longer be restored due to decay, fracture, periodontal disease, or other causes. Simple extractions use local anesthesia; surgically complex cases benefit from IV sedation. A small bone graft is often placed at the same visit to preserve the site for a future implant or restoration.
When extraction is the right call
Sometimes a tooth has more disease than restoration left in it. Severe decay below the gumline, a vertical root fracture, advanced periodontal disease, a failed root canal, or a tooth that simply won’t support a future restoration — these are common reasons we recommend extraction.
We always discuss alternatives first. If the tooth is salvageable with reasonable long-term prognosis, we’ll tell you. We make our living restoring smiles, not removing teeth.
Site preservation grafting
When you lose a tooth, the bone underneath begins to shrink within weeks. If you’re planning an implant, a bridge, or even a removable appliance later, we strongly recommend a small bone graft placed into the socket at the time of extraction. It’s a 5-minute addition that preserves the ridge dimension you’ll need to restore the site predictably.
Recovery
Some bleeding for the first 24 hours is normal. Swelling peaks at 48–72 hours. Most patients are comfortable on over-the-counter pain medicine after day 2–3.
Soft foods for the first few days, no straws, no smoking, and rinse gently with warm salt water starting the day after surgery. We see you back at one to two weeks to check healing.
Common questions
Will the extraction hurt?
You won’t feel pain during the procedure — just pressure. Post-op discomfort is usually well controlled with prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
Should I get a graft when I have the tooth removed?
If you might want an implant or any other restoration in the future, yes. Site preservation grafting protects your bone and makes future treatment easier and more predictable.
When can I get an implant after extraction?
For straightforward sites, often 3–4 months after grafting. In some cases we can place an implant the same day as the extraction (immediate implant) — we’ll plan this together if you’re a candidate.