Tooth Extractions

While we focus on helping you maintain your teeth for a lifetime, sometimes certain teeth need to be removed. Extra teeth or very crowded teeth present situations that may mean treatment involving removal of one or more teeth.

In some cases, severely decayed or cracked teeth, or those missing large amounts of supporting bone leave extraction as the only viable option.

Rest easy knowing that your comfort and your smile always come first!​

Cleveland Smile Center provides several options for replacing missing teeth.

Signs You Might Need a Tooth Extraction

A patient can need a tooth extraction for a variety of reasons and can experience several different symptoms before they decide to finally reach out to us. It can often lead to an emergency tooth extraction. By the time someone requires this treatment, it’s important to act fast, to preserve remaining natural teeth and prevent the issue from spreading. Here are some problems that may need to be treated with a tooth extraction:

  • severe toothache
  • tooth is visibly damaged or decayed, and a filling won’t be able to repair it
  • tooth infection and a root canal wasn’t able to cure it
  • impacted teeth that won’t be able to healthily grow in.
  • gum disease, and as a result, a tooth is loose.

At the first sign or indication of any of these issues, it’s important to contact one of our offices right away. We’ll provide you with a thorough examination to learn what issues you’re battling with and determine whether an extraction is the best course of action.

Questions Our Patients Ask

Q: Is getting a tooth pulled going to hurt?

A: We completely understand why that’s a concern — but you’ll be numbed up before we do anything, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is, and our team will check in with you every step of the way to make sure you’re doing okay.

Q: How do I know if I need a tooth removed?

A: Sometimes a tooth is too damaged, decayed, or crowded to be saved, and removing it is truly the best thing for your overall health. Our dentists will take a close look and only recommend an extraction when it’s genuinely necessary — we always explore every option to keep your natural teeth first.

Q: How long does it take to heal after having a tooth pulled?

A: Most people feel back to normal within a few days, though full healing of the area can take a couple of weeks. We’ll send you home with easy-to-follow care instructions, and our team is always just a phone call away if you have any questions during your recovery.

Q: What can I eat after getting a tooth extracted?

A: Stick to soft, gentle foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, and smoothies for the first day or two — nothing too hot, crunchy, or chewy. Once you’re feeling more comfortable and the area has had a little time to heal, you can gradually work your way back to your normal diet.

Q: Will I need to replace the tooth after it’s been removed?

A: In most cases, yes — replacing a missing tooth helps keep your other teeth in their proper positions and protects your jawbone over time. We offer great options right here at Cleveland Smile Center, like dental implants, so we can talk through what makes the most sense for your smile after the extraction.