Teeth Extractions
Teeth Extractions By Your Local Experts
At Center Point Dental, our priority is always to protect and preserve your natural teeth—but when a tooth is too damaged, infected, or creating other issues, an extraction may be the healthiest option. While many people imagine extractions as stressful or painful, modern dentistry has transformed the experience. With advanced techniques, gentle care, and effective sedation options, removing a tooth can be a straightforward, comfortable process.
Dr. Flaherty and Dr. Stuart take the time to carefully evaluate each situation, ensuring extractions are only recommended when truly necessary. Whether it’s easing pain from a severely decayed tooth, preventing infection from spreading, or creating space for orthodontic treatment, every extraction is performed with precision and compassion.
An extraction isn’t the end of your smile—it’s the beginning of restoring comfort, protecting your health, and preparing for the next step in your care. At Center Point Dental, we’re here to make sure that process feels supportive, safe, and worry-free.
Types of Dental Extractions
Routine (Simple) Extractions
Best for teeth that are fully erupted and accessible above the gumline.
What to expect:
- Numbing with local anesthetic so you’re comfortable
- Gentle loosening of the tooth and removal with specialized instruments
- Placement of gauze to control bleeding and instructions for at-home care
Typical appointment time: 30–60 minutes for a single tooth
Surgical Extractions
Recommended for teeth that are broken at the gum line, have curved or fused roots, or are impacted (common with wisdom teeth).
What to expect:
- Local anesthetic; sedation options are available for comfort
- A small incision in the gum and careful removal of bone (only as needed)
- Sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces when appropriate for a gentler removal
- Dissolvable stitches and protective dressing as needed
Typical appointment time: 45–90 minutes, depending on complexity and number of teeth
Our Process
At Center Point Dental, our goal is always to protect your oral health, and in some cases that may mean removing a tooth. Extractions may be recommended for reasons such as crowding, impacted wisdom teeth, severe decay, or advanced gum disease. The procedure is simple and efficient in our office, with local anesthetic to prevent pain and sedation options available for anxious patients. Most importantly, Dr. Flaherty and Dr. Stuart only recommend extractions when it’s truly the best choice for your long-term health and smile.
What To Expect
Once the area is fully numbed, one of our dentists will carefully and gently remove the tooth. You shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure, though some patients notice mild pressure. After the extraction, stitches may be placed if needed, and you’ll be asked to bite down on a cotton gauze pad to help control bleeding and begin the healing process.
What About Wisdom Teeth?
Because most patients don’t have enough room for wisdom teeth to come in correctly, these teeth often need to be removed. Taking them out can help prevent damage to nearby teeth, reduce the risk of infection, limit bacteria buildup, and avoid overcrowding. Many smiles function more comfortably without wisdom teeth, and our team can provide a thorough evaluation to determine if removal is the right choice for you.
FAQ's
When Is an Extraction Recommended?
- Severe decay or fracture that can’t be restored with a filling or crown
- Advanced gum disease causing loose or non-restorable teeth
- Infection or abscess that doesn’t resolve with root canal therapy
- Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth
- Orthodontic planning to create space or improve bite alignment
- Cracked roots or teeth split below the gumline
Is a tooth extraction painful?
No. The area is numbed with local anesthesia, and sedation options are available if you’re anxious. You may feel some pressure, but you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients feel back to normal in a few days, though full healing of the area may take one to two weeks. Following aftercare instructions helps speed the process.
Can I replace an extracted tooth?
Yes. Options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures can restore function and appearance after a tooth is removed.
What should I do after an extraction?
We’ll send you home with clear aftercare instructions, which usually include resting, avoiding straws, keeping the area clean, and using gauze as needed to control bleeding.