Tooth Extractions
in Evergreen, CO

At Evergreen Dental Group, we always prioritize saving your natural teeth whenever possible. However, extraction may be necessary when a tooth is severely damaged beyond repair, the root is infected and can't be treated with a root canal, a tooth is impacted below the gumline, gum disease has caused a tooth to become loose, or extraction is needed to make room for successful orthodontic treatment. Our team will thoroughly evaluate your situation before recommending extraction, ensuring we explore every option to preserve your natural smile.

No. We use local anesthetic to completely numb the area before the procedure, so you shouldn't feel any pain during the extraction. You may notice some pressure as the tooth is removed, which is normal. For patients with dental anxiety or those requiring more complex extractions, we offer sedation dentistry options including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation to ensure maximum comfort throughout your visit.

A simple extraction is performed on a fully erupted tooth that's visible above the gumline. The dentist loosens the tooth with a special tool and removes it with forceps. A surgical extraction is more involved and is typically needed for teeth that are broken at the gumline, impacted below the gums, or have complex root structures. Surgical extractions may require a small incision in the gum and sometimes removal of bone around the tooth. Both procedures are performed comfortably with local anesthetic and sedation if needed.

Most patients feel significantly better within three to five days after a simple extraction, with complete healing of the gum tissue taking about one to two weeks. Surgical extractions and wisdom tooth removal may require slightly longer recovery, often one to two weeks for initial healing and several weeks for complete bone healing. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you recover quickly and comfortably.

To promote proper healing, bite down on the gauze provided for 30 to 45 minutes to control bleeding, apply ice packs to reduce swelling, take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed, eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies for the first few days, avoid using straws (the suction can dislodge the healing blood clot), and don't smoke or rinse vigorously for at least 24 hours. Resume gentle brushing the next day, avoiding the extraction site directly.

A dry socket is a painful complication that occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged before the area has fully healed, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. Symptoms include severe throbbing pain a few days after extraction, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. To prevent dry socket, avoid smoking, using straws, spitting forcefully, or rinsing vigorously for at least 72 hours after your extraction. If you suspect a dry socket, contact our Evergreen, CO office right away.

In most cases, yes. Missing teeth can lead to neighboring teeth shifting out of place, jawbone deterioration, bite problems, and changes in facial appearance over time. Wisdom teeth and some teeth removed for orthodontic purposes typically don't need replacement. For other extractions, we offer several restorative options at Evergreen Dental Group, including dental implants, bridges, dentures, and the 3 on 6™ system for full-arch replacement.