Tooth Extractions in Scottsdale, AZ

An extraction may be considered for:

• A tooth damaged beyond predictable repair
• Deep decay or infection with a poor long-term outlook
• A severe crack that extends below the gumline
• A loose tooth with advanced loss of support
• Wisdom teeth that are not erupting normally
• A crowded mouth when removal is part of a broader treatment plan
• A painful tooth that cannot be successfully restored

An exam and dental images help us understand the roots, bone, neighboring teeth, and safest approach.

Simple Extractions

A simple extraction is used when the tooth is fully visible above the gumline and the roots are straightforward. After the area is numbed, the tooth is gently loosened and lifted out. Most simple extractions take only a few minutes, and recovery is usually quick.

Surgical Extractions

A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth has broken at or below the gumline, has curved or multiple roots, or is impacted, as many wisdom teeth are. A small opening in the gum gives access, and the tooth may be sectioned so it can be removed in pieces with less pressure on the surrounding bone. Digital X-rays and, when helpful, cone beam CT imaging let us plan the approach before we begin. Some surgical cases are handled with our oral surgery team.

Protecting the blood clot in the extraction site is important during early healing. We provide written instructions based on your procedure, including guidance for eating, cleaning, activity, and medications.

A dry socket happens when that clot is lost too early, exposing bone and causing pain that builds a few days after the extraction. To lower the chance:

• Do not drink through a straw for at least the first several days
• Do not smoke or vape; suction and heat both interfere with healing
• Skip vigorous rinsing and spitting; after the first day, rinse gently with warm salt water as directed
• Avoid poking the site with your tongue, fingers, or a toothbrush
• Keep to soft foods and chew on the other side

Plan on softer foods at first and avoid disturbing the area. Swelling and tenderness can be expected, but symptoms should gradually improve. Call us if bleeding does not slow, pain suddenly worsens after it had begun to settle, swelling increases, or you are unsure whether healing is on track.

Following the instructions carefully can make recovery smoother and reduce the chance of complications.

Wisdom teeth do not normally need to be replaced. When another tooth is removed, leaving the space open may allow nearby teeth to shift and can change chewing over time.

Depending on your needs, replacement options may include a dental implant, bridge, partial denture, or full denture. We can discuss timing before the extraction so you understand the full plan, not just the first step.

Preserving Bone For A Future Implant

The jawbone around an empty socket begins to shrink soon after a tooth is removed. If an implant is in your future, placing a bone graft in the socket at the time of extraction helps keep the ridge wide and tall enough to support it. It adds a short step to the visit and can save a larger grafting procedure later. We will tell you whether it makes sense for your case.

When Several Teeth Are Failing

If most of the teeth in an arch are damaged or loose, replacing them one at a time is not always the best path. A fixed full-arch solution such as All-on-4 can replace an entire arch on a small number of implants, often with extractions and implant placement coordinated in a single planned sequence. We can lay out that option alongside dentures and individual implants so you can compare.