Tooth Extractions
When a tooth can't be saved, the next priorities are removing it comfortably, protecting your bone, and planning the replacement before you walk out the door.
Sometimes a tooth can't be saved. At 3rd Set Smiles in Tempe, Dr. Matthew Phillips removes it comfortably, in-house, and helps you plan what replaces it, so you leave with a next step rather than just a gap.
Why a tooth might need to come out
- Severe decay that's beyond what a filling or crown can restore
- A cracked or split tooth that can't be restored
- Advanced gum disease that has destroyed the supporting bone
- Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth (see wisdom teeth removal)
- Crowding that needs to be relieved for orthodontic treatment
Simple vs. surgical extractions
A simple extraction is for a tooth that's fully erupted and accessible — most adult teeth fall into this category. A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is broken below the gumline, impacted (like many wisdom teeth), or requires a small bone window for access. Dr. Phillips performs both in-office, so you don't have to be referred out.
Bone preservation & planning ahead
Once a tooth is removed, the bone that used to support it starts to shrink. If you may want an implant down the road, we typically place a small bone graft into the socket at the time of extraction to preserve the site. We'll discuss this option with you before the procedure.
Comfort during the visit
Local anesthesia is the standard. For longer procedures or anxious patients, we offer sedation options so you can rest comfortably through the visit.
What happens at your visit
- Exam and X-ray to see the roots, the surrounding bone, and whether the tooth can be saved after all.
- A clear plan and price before anything starts, including what will replace the tooth.
- The extraction, with the area fully numbed and sedation available if you want it.
- After-care instructions to protect the socket while it heals.
Same-day extractions are available. If a tooth needs to come out, Dr. Phillips can often do it at the same visit, so you don't have to come back another day.
Recovery
Most people feel mostly normal within two to three days. For the first few days, avoid straws, spitting, and smoking, and stick to soft foods; these protect the blood clot and help prevent dry socket. Call us if pain gets worse after day three instead of better.
Replacing the tooth
Planning the replacement at the same time saves bone and time. Options include a dental implant, a bridge, or a partial denture. For several failing teeth, see same-day extractions and implants and All-on-4 full-arch implants.
Cost and insurance
The cost depends on whether the extraction is simple or surgical, whether a bone graft is placed, and any sedation, so we quote it after your exam. See insurance & financing and our new-patient offers.
Book an extraction consult
In pain now? Call (480) 334-2752. Otherwise, request an appointment online. We're at 2600 E Southern Ave, Suite B1, Tempe, AZ 85282.
Tooth Extractions FAQ
No. The area is fully numbed and most extractions take only a few minutes once you're comfortable. Sedation is available if you'd prefer to relax through the visit.
Most patients feel mostly normal within 2–3 days, with full healing of the socket over a few weeks. We'll send you home with clear after-care instructions.
Yes. Same-day extractions are available. After an exam and X-ray, if the tooth needs to come out, Dr. Phillips can usually remove it at the same visit.
Almost always, yes. Missing teeth cause neighboring teeth to drift and the jawbone to shrink. Whenever possible, we discuss a replacement plan — implant, bridge, or partial — at the same visit as the extraction.