When Extraction May Be Necessary
- Severe decay that has destroyed too much tooth structure to restore
- A fracture below the gumline
- Advanced periodontal disease causing significant tooth mobility
- Wisdom teeth that are impacted, crowded, or causing pain
What to Expect
After a full evaluation — including X-rays when needed — Dr. Ali or Dr. Carey will walk you through why extraction is being recommended and what your options are afterward, including whether a bridge, implant, or denture makes sense to replace the tooth.
What to Expect
- Ruling out alternatives firstBefore recommending an extraction, Dr. Ali checks whether the tooth can be saved with a root canal, crown, or other treatment.
- Numbing the areaThe tooth and surrounding gum are fully numbed. For more involved extractions, additional options are available — ask and she'll go over them.
- The extractionSimple extractions are usually quick. Impacted or surgical cases take longer and may involve a referral to an oral surgeon we trust.
- Aftercare instructionsYou'll leave with clear, written instructions on what to do — and what to avoid — for the next few days.
From Dr. Ali
I don't reach for extraction as a first answer. If there's a reasonable way to save the tooth, I'll bring that up before pulling it. When extraction genuinely is the right call, I'll say so plainly and explain why — not leave you guessing whether there was another option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tooth extraction always the last resort?
That's the approach we take — we look at root canals, crowns, or other repair options first. Extraction comes up when the tooth truly can't be saved, or in cases like wisdom teeth that are causing crowding or pain.
Will it hurt?
The area is numbed before we start, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure — some soreness afterward is normal and manageable with the aftercare guidance you're given.
How long is recovery?
Simple extractions: a few days of mild soreness. More involved cases can take a week or more. You'll get specific guidance based on your extraction.
What happens to the gap afterward?
Depends on the tooth and your goals — options include a bridge, implant, or in some cases, nothing if it's a wisdom tooth. Dr. Ali will walk through what makes sense for that specific spot.
Related Services
If an extraction leaves a gap you want to fill, these are the two most common next steps.
Ready to schedule?
Give us a call — we'll find a time that works for you.