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.
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
- 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.
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.
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.