Our goal is always to save natural teeth whenever possible. But when a tooth is too severely damaged, infected, or crowded to be saved, extraction may be the best option for your long-term oral health. At Fort Worth Family and Implant Dentistry, we perform extractions with precision and genuine care for your comfort.
When Is Extraction Necessary?
Common reasons for extraction include severe tooth decay that cannot be restored with a filling or crown, advanced gum disease that has destroyed supporting bone, a cracked or broken tooth that cannot be repaired, an abscess or infection that has not responded to antibiotics or root canal treatment, overcrowding before orthodontic treatment, and impacted wisdom teeth.
Simple vs. Surgical Extraction
A simple extraction removes a tooth that is fully erupted using forceps. A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is impacted, broken below the gum line, or has curved roots — requiring a small incision to access. Both types are performed with local anesthesia, and sedation options are available for anxious patients.
After Your Extraction — Tooth Replacement Options
Once a tooth is removed, the gap it leaves can cause neighboring teeth to shift, affecting your bite and jaw alignment. We will discuss replacement options — dental implants, bridges, or dentures — and can often plan your replacement restoration before or at the time of extraction to minimize the time you are missing a tooth.
Benefits of Tooth Extractions
- Relieves pain from infected or damaged teeth
- Prevents spread of infection
- Sedation options for a comfortable experience
- Immediate discussion of replacement options
- Quick recovery with proper aftercare
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
The area is thoroughly numbed before the procedure, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Sedation is also available if you are anxious. Post-procedure discomfort is typically controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long is the recovery after an extraction?
Most simple extractions heal within 7–10 days. Surgical extractions may take 2–3 weeks. Following aftercare instructions — avoiding smoking, straws, and hard foods — speeds recovery.