Sometimes a tooth is too damaged, decayed, or infected to save, and Tooth Extraction is the honest next step. Smile Center Dentistry walks through aftercare before you're numb, not after.
Extraction is often treated as a last resort elsewhere, and we hold to that same standard here. We'd rather spend time exploring alternatives than pull a tooth that could still be saved.
A second opinion within our own team is standard for borderline cases before extraction is finalized. Extraction is treated as the last option, not the default one.
We're upfront about which category your case falls into before treatment, not after complications arise. We don't attempt cases beyond our scope — we refer out when that's genuinely the better option.
We discuss this option at your consult, not as an afterthought once the tooth is already gone. Once bone volume is lost, restoring it later is more involved than preserving it at the time of extraction.
You leave with written aftercare instructions and a direct number to call if something doesn't feel right. Most complications are preventable with the right aftercare, which is why we take this step seriously.
We explain which category applies to you before treatment day, not as a surprise in the chair.
Local anesthesia keeps the procedure comfortable, and most patients are in and out within an hour. We confirm the socket is stable before you leave.
For teeth that are broken at the gumline or difficult to access, a surgical approach may be needed, coordinated with an oral surgeon. Recovery expectations are discussed honestly, since these cases take longer to heal.
This step is optional but often recommended if you're considering replacing the tooth later. We explain the added cost and healing time clearly before you decide.
Antibiotics may be prescribed alongside extraction depending on infection severity. We monitor healing closely on infected extraction sites.
Written aftercare instructions cover swelling, diet, and dry socket prevention specific to your procedure. We're reachable directly if something feels off during recovery.
When several teeth need removal, we plan the sequence and sedation approach to minimize total recovery time. Staging complex cases in phases is sometimes the better approach, and we'll say so.
Call +1-866-227-2801 and describe the tooth and symptoms — that shapes what we check at your exam.
Digital X-rays confirm the tooth's condition and whether a simple or surgical approach applies.
Local anesthesia keeps the procedure comfortable; simple cases are typically quick, surgical cases take longer.
We're reachable directly during recovery if swelling or pain seems off.
"Simple extraction, done in about 20 minutes, and the aftercare sheet answered every question I would have called about."
"Socket preservation grafting was explained clearly since I want an implant eventually. Glad I did it at the same visit."
"Follow-up call a few days later just to check on healing — didn't expect that but it was reassuring."
"They called it correctly as a simple case, no surprise complications, no surprise bill."
"Needed three teeth out and they staged it over two visits instead of doing everything at once. Recovery was much more manageable."
We check numbness thoroughly before starting, and manage post-procedure discomfort with clear aftercare guidance. We check in after your procedure if we expect a more involved recovery.
It depends on the tooth's position and condition — visible, accessible teeth are usually simple; broken or impacted teeth may need a surgical approach. Knowing this in advance also sets accurate recovery expectations.
We cover dry socket prevention specifically in your written aftercare instructions. It's uncomfortable but treatable if it happens — call us right away if you suspect it.
It's optional — we explain the cost and benefit so you can decide based on your future plans. Grafting adds a modest amount to recovery time but can save complications later.
We give you a realistic timeline specific to your case, not a generic estimate. Multiple extractions in one visit may extend overall recovery slightly.
Cost depends on whether it's simple or surgical, and whether grafting is involved — we quote this after your exam. We verify insurance benefits beforehand so you know your out-of-pocket cost.
Smile Center Dentistry provides Tooth Extraction to patients throughout Strawberry and neighboring Strawberry, CA communities. We coordinate with local oral surgeons for the most complex surgical cases, so a referral doesn't mean starting over elsewhere.
We'll explore every alternative before recommending extraction.
Call +1-866-227-2801