Sometimes, a damaged or infected tooth needs more help than a filling or dental crown can provide. When that happens, removing it is the best way to protect your smile and prevent further problems. At Weekend Dental Emergency Care, our team ensures tooth extractions in Salt Lake City, Lehi, and Farmington are gentle, safe, and stress-free so you can heal quickly and get back to feeling your best.
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is a routine dental procedure that removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Dentists may recommend it when a tooth is too decayed, infected, or broken to repair. In some cases, extractions are necessary to make space for orthodontic treatment or to remove impacted wisdom teeth.
Why Would I Need a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extractions in Utah are more common than you might think. You may need one if:
- A cavity or infection has damaged a tooth beyond repair
- Gum disease has loosened or weakened a tooth
- A wisdom tooth is impacted or growing in the wrong direction
- Your mouth needs more space before getting braces or aligners
Safely removing a problem tooth helps prevent pain, infection, and future dental complications.
What Are the Different Types of Tooth Extractions?
There are two main types of tooth extractions: simple and surgical.
A simple extraction is used for teeth that are visible above the gum line. Your dentist gently loosens and removes the tooth using special instruments.
Teeth that are broken, impacted, or hidden below the gum may need a surgical extraction. A small incision may be made in this procedure to safely remove the tooth.
At each of our weekend dentist offices in Salt Lake City, Lehi, and Farmington, both dental procedures are done with care and precision to keep you comfortable from start to finish.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction Procedure?
If it is determined you need a tooth extraction at one of our Utah dental offices locations, your procedure will be scheduled for a later appointment. Before your extraction, we’ll make sure you’re completely numb with a local anesthetic. Once the area is comfortable, our dentist will gently loosen the tooth and remove it. If necessary, we’ll place a few small stitches to help with healing.
Is a Tooth Extraction Painful?
A tooth extraction should not be painful. You’ll feel pressure during the procedure, but you shouldn’t feel pain. Afterward, mild soreness or swelling is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, and rest. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how smooth the process feels.
What Should I Expect After a Tooth Extraction?
After the procedure, we place a clot of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) around the extraction site to improve local blood supply, enhance healing, and shorten the recovery process. PRF is a substance taken from your own blood that helps to promote healing in procedures like a tooth extraction.
Nevertheless, post-operative care following a tooth extraction is essential for healing and preventing complications. Here’s how to recover comfortably:
- Rest for the first 24 hours
- Eat soft foods for a few days
- Brush and rinse gently until the area heals
If you are prescribed an antibiotic, it is important that you complete the course of treatment to prevent infection. Finally, you may be advised to avoid smoking or drinking through a straw, as doing so may delay the healing process by dislodging the PRF and cause a condition known as dry socket.
How Do I Prevent Dry Socket?
To prevent dry socket after a tooth extraction, follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully. Avoid smoking, spitting forcefully, or drinking through a straw for several days, since these can disturb the PRF clot and cause pain.
What Foods Can I Eat After a Tooth Extraction?
In the days after your tooth extraction treatment, stick to soft, cool foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, smoothies, and soups (cooled to warm, not hot).
Avoid crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods until your dentist says it’s safe.
How Long Does the Tooth Extraction Take?
There are a few factors that can affect how long a tooth extraction takes. In most cases, the procedure can be done in less than an hour, but it’s important to discuss the details with your dental team.
What’s the Difference Between a Tooth Extraction and a Root Canal?
A root canal saves a tooth by removing the infected tissue inside it, while an extraction removes the entire tooth. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on how much of the tooth can be preserved and your personal situation.
What Happens If I Don’t Get a Damaged Tooth Removed?
Leaving a severely decayed or infected tooth untreated can lead to increased pain and swelling, spread of infection to other teeth or your jawbone, and bone loss or gum damage. Prompt treatment protects your long-term oral health and saves you from bigger problems later.
Ready to Schedule Your Tooth Extraction?
If you’re in pain or have been told you need a tooth removed, the team at Weekend Dental Emergency care in Salt Lake City, Farmington, and Lehi is here to help. Our teams provide gentle extractions with convenient weekend dentist appointments with your comfort in mind. Book an appointment at one of our Utah dental offices today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions
Yes, if you’re anxious about dental treatment or having multiple teeth removed, we offer options such as oral medication or nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. These help you stay relaxed and calm throughout the procedure.
You can brush gently the next day, avoiding brushing over the extraction site for the first few days.
Call us if you notice worsening pain, swelling, pus, or a fever. These could indicate infection and should be checked right away.
The cost depends on the type of extraction and the tooth’s condition. Most dental insurance plans cover part of the procedure. Our team will review your benefits and provide a clear explanation. You can call one of our Utah offices directly or visit our Pricing and Payments page for more information.
You don’t have to live with a tooth gap for long. Once your gums heal (typically in a few months), you may be a candidate for a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. We’ll discuss your options during your follow-up visit.