While preserving natural teeth is always the goal, there are times when removing a tooth—or multiple teeth—is necessary due to severe decay, trauma, infection, or developmental issues. A dental extraction involves removing the entire tooth from its socket and is performed by a general dentist, specialist, or oral surgeon.
Extractions are typically considered a last resort. If your dentist recommends one, it’s usually because keeping the tooth poses a risk to your overall oral health. Leaving a severely damaged or infected tooth in place can allow decay or bacteria to spread to surrounding teeth, gum tissue, and even the jawbone. In some cases, a tooth that isn’t removed in time may fall out on its own, potentially leading to more serious complications such as bone loss or additional infections.
Tooth extractions help create a healthier foundation for healing and future treatment—whether that involves orthodontics, restorative procedures, or simply relieving discomfort.
While some tooth extractions are unavoidable, many can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. At Dental Depot Mesa, our team is committed to helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums through routine cleanings, checkups, and personalized care.
Remove plaque and tartar that lead to cavities and gum disease
Detect and treat early signs of decay before they become serious
Check for infection, damage, or bone loss
Apply preventive treatments like fluoride to strengthen enamel
Evaluate issues like alignment, overcrowding, and wisdom teeth
With comprehensive preventive and restorative care, we make it easy for you and your family to access high-quality, affordable dental services—all in one convenient Mesa location.
At Dental Depot Mesa, we believe everyone deserves exceptional dental care at a commonsense price. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward your healthiest, most confident smile.
Simple tooth extractions are performed on teeth that are fully visible and easily accessible in the mouth. These procedures are done under local anesthesia and do not require any incisions. They’re typically quick and minimally invasive.
Surgical extractions are more complex and often require the expertise of an oral surgeon. These procedures involve making a small incision in the gum and are used in cases where the tooth cannot be easily accessed or removed.
Cracked or fractured teeth
Curved or entangled roots
Impacted teeth
Wisdom teeth
Enlarged sinus cavities near the tooth
Infections in the tooth or surrounding bone
The actual process of extracting a tooth should not hurt. Before the procedure, the dentist will administer anesthesia to numb or dull your mouth and gums, so while you may feel some pressure or be awake during your procedure, you should not feel any pain. The type of extraction will determine what type of anesthesia you need. A simple extraction may only require a local numbing agent while a more complex wisdom tooth removal might require something like nitrous oxide.
You might experience some tenderness or soreness afterwards, but usually, these side effects can be managed with over the counter pain medication, or you may receive a prescription for pain medication from your dentist. Often, the pain of the tooth that needs to be pulled is worse than the extraction itself and is relieved once the tooth is removed.
A dentist may recommend a tooth extraction for several reasons, including:
While extractions are sometimes necessary, they are always considered a last resort. Your dentist will explore all options to save the tooth before recommending removal. If an extraction is advised, it’s likely because keeping the tooth poses a greater risk to your overall health.
Delaying or avoiding a needed extraction can lead to serious complications, such as:
Your dentist will take time to walk you through the decision, explain your treatment options, and make sure you’re informed and comfortable every step of the way.
After your tooth extraction, your dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including recommendations for what to eat during recovery. Choosing the right foods can support healing, minimize discomfort, and help you avoid complications.
Because you may feel groggy or uncomfortable after the procedure—and may not be able to drive—it’s a good idea to stock up on these items ahead of time. Having the right foods on hand helps you follow your dentist’s instructions closely and promotes a smoother, faster recovery.
It is normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a tooth extraction.
It is also normal–and often necessary–for a blood clot to form over the extraction site. However, if the blood clot does not form or if the bone inside the pocket becomes exposed, you can develop what is called a “dry socket,” which is very painful and will require the dentist to put a dressing over the extraction site.
Call your dentist or seek medical attention if you experience any of the above symptoms or any others that may be listed in your procedure discharge notes.
While preserving natural teeth is always the goal, there are situations where a tooth may need to be removed to protect your overall oral health. Common reasons for extraction include:
1. Decay or Infection
One of the most frequent reasons for extraction is severe tooth decay. If a cavity or infection goes untreated for too long, the damage can spread and make the tooth impossible to save.
2. Gum Disease
Advanced periodontal (gum) disease can weaken the bone and ligaments that support the teeth. As these structures break down, teeth can loosen and become vulnerable to infection, sometimes requiring extraction.
3. Impacted or Non-Erupting Teeth
Teeth that fail to erupt—often due to overcrowding, unusual positioning, or curved roots—can become impacted. Wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted and often need to be removed when there isn’t enough room in the jaw.
4. Overcrowding for Orthodontic Treatment
To create space for teeth to align properly, some orthodontic treatment plans involve extracting one or more teeth. This is especially common with baby teeth or in cases where adult teeth are struggling to erupt correctly.
5. Trauma or Injury
In cases of dental trauma, damage beneath the gumline may be too severe to repair with a crown or filling. If the fracture extends below the surface, extraction may be the best option to prevent further complications.
Types of Tooth Extractions: Simple vs. Surgical
At Dental Depot Mesa, our experienced team provides both simple and surgical tooth extractions, depending on the condition and location of the tooth. The type of extraction recommended will depend on several factors, including the tooth’s visibility, how damaged or decayed it is, and whether it’s impacted or broken below the gumline.
Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are fully visible and accessible above the gumline. These procedures are typically quick and require only local anesthesia.
Here’s what to expect during a simple extraction:
Surgical extractions are required for teeth that are not easily accessible, such as impacted, broken, or fractured teeth below the gumline. These procedures may be performed under local anesthesia, laughing gas, or general anesthesia depending on the complexity.
What happens during a surgical extraction:
Regardless of the extraction method, it’s important to discuss tooth replacement options with your dentist. Leaving a gap can lead to shifting teeth, bite problems, and bone loss in the jaw. Your dentist will walk you through the best options—such as bridges, implants, or dentures—to restore your smile and protect your oral health.
What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
While tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to protect your overall health, it’s important to understand the potential side effects that may follow—and how to avoid them.
After a tooth is removed, a blood clot typically forms in the socket to protect the bone and nerves underneath. If this clot becomes dislodged or fails to form, it can result in a painful condition known as dry socket. This slows the healing process and exposes sensitive tissue. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you clear aftercare instructions to help prevent this and will let you know what signs to watch for.
When a tooth is removed, the surrounding teeth may begin to shift into the open space. While this is sometimes intentional—such as during orthodontic treatment—it can also lead to unintended bite issues, jaw discomfort, and wear on other teeth. To prevent this, your dentist may recommend a tooth replacement option like a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.
Don’t put off an extraction because you are worried about pain. We use numbing agents and local anesthetic to make you as comfortable as possible and our dentists will discuss all your restoration options.
