Sometimes a tooth can't be saved. When that's the case, the goal is a clean extraction, calm healing, and a clear plan for what comes next.
We don't pull teeth that can be saved. And when extraction is the right call, we plan it as the first step of a longer sequence — not the end of one.
§ 00 · What an extraction actually does
An extraction isn't just pulling. The technique matters — careful removal preserves the bone around the socket, which makes the next step (implant, bridge, or grafting) cleaner and more predictable.
We extract under local anesthetic. Most extractions are quicker and calmer than patients expect, and the recovery is straightforward when the technique is right.
Predictable healing
Careful technique and clear instructions mean fewer surprises during recovery.
Bone preservation
We protect the socket so future replacement options stay open.
Clear next step
Every extraction is paired with a plan for what replaces the tooth — or why nothing needs to.
§ 01 · Why we always plan for what comes next
When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the surrounding teeth drift, the opposite tooth migrates, and the bone in the socket shrinks.
That doesn't mean every extraction needs an immediate implant. It does mean the question — what replaces this tooth, and when — gets answered before the extraction, not afterward.
§ 02 · How we plan an extraction
Extractions are part of a sequence. We plan the sequence before we start.
Step 1: confirm extraction is the right call
We check whether the tooth can be saved with a root canal, crown, or other treatment. Extraction is the answer when nothing else preserves more tooth long-term.
Step 2: extract carefully and preserve the bone
Technique matters. We use careful, atraumatic extraction methods that protect the socket — and graft when grafting helps the next step.
Step 3: plan the replacement (or why none is needed)
Implant, bridge, or letting the gap stay closed — every option has trade-offs. We map the right one based on your bite, your goals, and the rest of your mouth.
§ 03 · Common questions
How much does a tooth extraction cost?
Cost depends on the type of extraction (simple vs surgical), whether grafting is included, and what kind of replacement follows. We confirm the full plan and estimate before treatment, and most PPO plans cover a portion of the extraction itself.
Are tooth extractions painful?
Local anesthetic keeps the procedure itself comfortable. Most patients describe the recovery as easier than they expected — soreness is normal for a few days and is managed with over-the-counter medication. We give clear instructions and check in afterward.
How long is the recovery from an extraction?
Initial healing takes about a week, with full soft-tissue closure over the next few weeks. Bone fills in the socket over the following months. Most patients are back to normal eating within a few days, though we recommend going easy on the area for at least a week.
Should I replace a missing tooth right away?
Not always — and not always with the same option. Some gaps are best left alone if the bite and surrounding teeth are stable. Others should be replaced before drift starts. We map the right answer based on your specific bite, not a default rule.
Do you do bone grafting at the time of extraction?
When the plan includes a future implant, often yes. Grafting at the time of extraction preserves the bone volume that an implant will eventually need. We discuss whether grafting is the right call based on the tooth's location and your replacement plan.
Will I be able to drive home after an extraction?
For most simple and surgical extractions under local anesthetic, yes. If sedation is involved, we'll let you know in advance and recommend you arrange a ride. Most extractions don't require sedation.
We'll evaluate the actual situation, walk through alternatives if extractions aren't the right answer, and give you a clear plan with cost before anything is scheduled.
