At our practice, patient comfort and long-term oral health guide every recommendation we make. While preserving natural teeth is always the priority, there are situations where removing a tooth is the safest and most predictable route to relieve pain, stop infection, or protect adjacent teeth.
Deciding on an extraction begins with a careful assessment of your overall health, the condition of the tooth, and how it fits into the rest of your mouth. Our team balances conservative treatment options with the realities of tooth structure, supporting bone, and the risks of leaving a problematic tooth in place.
When extraction is recommended, it is not a first resort but a considered clinical choice intended to restore comfort, protect surrounding tissues, and create the best opportunity for lasting oral health. We talk through each step so you understand why removal may be the most responsible option and how care will proceed afterward.
Primary (baby) teeth that won’t fall out or are severely decayed
Sometimes a primary tooth refuses to make room for the permanent tooth beneath it. If a baby tooth remains anchored too long or is badly damaged, removing it can clear the way for correct development of the adult tooth and help avoid alignment problems later.
Permanents with extensive decay that cannot be restored
When decay undermines most of the visible tooth and reaches the core structures, restorative options may no longer be viable. In those cases, extraction eliminates the source of infection or pain and prevents further harm to neighboring teeth and tissues.
Teeth fractured beyond repair
A severe crack or fragment that extends into the root or is inaccessible for rebuilding may leave extraction as the only reliable solution. Removing a compromised tooth can avert chronic discomfort and recurring problems.
Advanced periodontal disease affecting tooth support
When gum disease progresses and destroys the bone and soft tissues that anchor a tooth, that tooth can become unstable and non-functional. Extraction may be necessary to stop disease progression and to address the health of adjacent teeth.
Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth
Third molars frequently lack room to erupt properly, can press on neighboring teeth, or are positioned in a way that invites decay and infection. Removing these teeth when they pose a risk is a common preventive and therapeutic measure.
Extractions to aid orthodontic treatment
In some orthodontic plans, removing one or more teeth is part of creating the space needed to align the bite and achieve a stable, functional outcome. These decisions are made in partnership with your orthodontic team and tailored to long-term goals.
Before any procedure, we review your medical history, current medications, and any factors that could affect healing. Knowing your general health and any conditions you may have helps us tailor the approach and take appropriate precautions to reduce risk.
Diagnostic imaging, including digital radiographs when indicated, provides a clear picture of the tooth’s roots, jawbone, and nearby anatomy. That information helps determine whether a tooth can be removed simply or if a more involved surgical approach will be necessary.
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area thoroughly, and we discuss additional comfort measures when needed. Our goal is to ensure the procedure is predictable and as comfortable as possible while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
A tooth that is fully visible and has uncomplicated root anatomy can often be extracted with forceps after the area is numbed. This type of removal typically takes only a short time, and most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure itself. We’ll explain what to expect and offer options for easing anxiety if that is a concern.
Surgical extractions are performed when a tooth is broken at the gum line, fused to bone, or otherwise inaccessible by simple means. A small incision and, if necessary, the controlled removal of a bit of bone allow safe access to the tooth. In certain cases we may coordinate care with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure the most appropriate surgical expertise is applied.
Comfort during dental procedures is a priority. Beyond local anesthesia, several levels of sedation are available to help patients remain calm and comfortable. We discuss those options during treatment planning and recommend the approach that suits each patient’s needs and medical profile.
If you experience dental anxiety, limited memory of the procedure or a more relaxed experience may be appropriate. We’ll explain how conscious sedation works, what to expect before and after, and any pre-procedure steps to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Coordination with your primary care physician or medical specialists may be needed if you have complex health considerations. We communicate clearly about medication management, preoperative instructions, and any steps needed to prepare for a safe appointment.
Throughout your visit our team is focused on monitoring comfort, explaining each step, and helping you feel supported from the consultation through recovery.
No two recoveries are identical, but following a few basic principles helps most people heal predictably. We provide clear, individualized post-operative instructions reviewing activity limits, wound care, and any medication guidelines. These measures are designed to protect the healing tissue and reduce complications.
Expect some swelling and mild discomfort in the days after an extraction; both are normal parts of the healing process. Cold packs, rest, and gentle care help keep discomfort manageable. We will advise you on when to resume normal activities and how to watch for signs that warrant follow-up.
If stitches are placed, a follow-up visit may be required to check healing and remove sutures if needed. Keeping scheduled follow-up appointments lets us monitor progress and address any concerns promptly.
Maintain gentle pressure with gauze
After your extraction, bite down on the provided gauze to help the blood clot form. Change the gauze as instructed and continue light pressure until bleeding subsides. A small amount of oozing for the first 24 hours can be normal.
Protect numb tissues
Until local anesthesia wears off, take care not to chew or accidentally injure lips, cheeks, or tongue on the numb side.
Follow medication directions
Antibiotics:
If you are prescribed antibiotics, take the complete course exactly as directed to help prevent or treat infection.
Pain control:
Taking pain medication early, before numbness fully wears off, can improve comfort. Use over-the-counter or prescribed medications according to the instructions given.
Let the clot stay in place
Avoid rinsing vigorously, spitting forcefully, drinking through a straw, or smoking for the first several days, as these actions can dislodge the clot that supports healing.
Control swelling with ice
Apply an ice pack to the cheek in short intervals during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Avoid tobacco
Smoking or using tobacco products delays healing and increases the risk of complications. We strongly advise refraining from these products for at least the first week.
Choose soft, cool foods initially
Stick to soft meals and avoid hot or spicy fare for a few days. Hydration is important—sip water—but avoid carbonated or alcoholic beverages during the early recovery period.
Keep oral hygiene gentle
Maintain clean teeth with careful brushing, avoiding the extraction site for a few days. A mild saltwater rinse can be introduced as recommended to keep the area fresh.
Attend follow-up care
If a follow-up visit is scheduled, please keep that appointment so we can confirm proper healing and address any concerns.
If bleeding, increasing pain, persistent swelling, or any unusual symptoms occur, contact our office for advice and further instruction.
Our practice brings together experienced clinicians, modern diagnostic tools, and an emphasis on patient-centered communication. That combination helps us deliver care that is safe, compassionate, and tailored to each person’s needs. Davenport Dental Associates emphasizes clear explanations so you know what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
When tooth replacement is part of the treatment plan, we review appropriate options—such as dentures, fixed bridges, or dental implants—and help you understand how each choice affects function, appearance, and long-term oral health. Our goal is to support a confident, healthy outcome that fits your priorities.
Above all, we focus on predictable results and attentive follow-up so that recovery is smooth and any transitions to restorative care are well coordinated. You’ll find our team committed to listening, answering questions, and making sure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
In summary, tooth extractions are performed to relieve pain, stop disease, and protect oral health when keeping a tooth is not advisable. Our team provides careful evaluation, clear explanations, and individualized care throughout the process. Contact us to learn more about extractions or to discuss how we can help you or a loved one move forward with confidence.
The most common reasons for tooth loss include advanced periodontal disease, extensive tooth decay, and facial trauma. According to statistics, gum disease is responsible for close to 70% of tooth loss in adults. Although less frequent than the preceding three reasons, it should also be noted that specific diseases, drugs, smoking, and poor nutrition contribute to the risk of tooth loss.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in the United States, an average of 12 teeth (including the wisdom teeth) are lost by the age of 50. Also, 26% of adults between 65 and 74 years of age have lost all their teeth.
Every patient and every situation is different. However, when a tooth and the surrounding tissues are numbed with a local anesthetic, you should only expect to feel a bit of pressure, but no pain as the tooth is being loosened from the surrounding tissues and extracted. For patients who are apprehensive and for some surgical extractions, our office will discuss our options in dental sedation to provide further relaxation and reduce any sense of discomfort.
While it's normal to feel some tenderness and swelling following an extraction, the degree of these sensations can vary. It mostly depends on the complexity of the extraction and the body's response to the procedure. We'll recommend or prescribe the appropriate pain medication to help ensure your comfort and give you specific instructions for maximum effectiveness and safety.
Typically, the recovery period following a simple extraction is shorter than a surgical extraction. However, a patient's overall health, habits, the size and location of the tooth, and other variables can influence recovery and healing. To speed up the recovery and avoid any complications, patients must follow the given at-home instructions diligently. We'll carefully review what to expect following your procedure and go over your post-op instructions.
Smoking interferes with blood clot formation, which is an essential first step in the healing process. Blood clot formation not only provides a protective layer to cover the underlying exposed bone and nerve endings, but it also supports the growth of new tissue. Cigarette smoke also contains chemical toxins that can disrupt the healing process and lead to problems such as continued inflammation, infection, or dry socket.
In a very small percentage of cases, a condition known as dry socket can develop in the aftermath of a dental extraction. This painful condition can arise when the blood clot in the extraction site doesn't form properly or gets dislodged. With dry socket, you may experience throbbing pain and symptoms such as bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. As skilled providers of care, our office will provide immediate treatment to alleviate your discomfort and promote healing.
The last teeth in your mouth to develop, wisdom teeth often do not have enough room to fully erupt or may be positioned in the wrong direction. These issues can affect your dental health as well as overall wellbeing. While some individuals never develop all their wisdom teeth, and a few have sufficient space for them, there are many people with partially or fully impacted third molars. Our office will monitor the development, position, and health of your wisdom teeth and will advise you if and when extractions are indicated.
After a tooth is removed, bone-grafting material is sometimes placed in the socket to promote healing and encourage new bone development. This procedure is often performed to support the eventual and successful placement of a dental implant.
At the office of Davenport Dental Associates, we strive to make dental care affordable and accessible. Depending on the type or complexity of the extraction and other variables, the cost of the procedure can vary. Based on our diagnostic findings, our office will inform you of the healthiest choices in care, explain the fees, discuss insurance coverage, and explain your payment options.
Many dental plans offer some level of coverage for tooth extractions. We'll advise you if your plan covers the full cost of the procedure and if there is any out-of-pocket expense. Our business office will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits as much as possible while helping you minimize any out-of-pocket expenses.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental needs and expectations of care.
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