Tooth Extraction
Phoenix & North Scottsdale
 At Jerome Riddle DDS, our goal is always to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible. However, there are times when tooth extraction becomes the healthiest and safest solution for your smile. Whether due to severe decay, trauma, overcrowding, or impacted wisdom teeth, our experienced dental team provides safe, gentle, and effective extractions while prioritizing your comfort and long-term oral health.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Tooth extraction is generally recommended only when restorative options such as fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy are not possible. Common reasons include:
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Severe Tooth Decay
- When decay has destroyed too much of the tooth’s structure to be repaired.
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Broken or Fractured Teeth - Teeth that have shattered or broken beyond restoration.
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Overcrowding - Removing teeth to allow orthodontic treatments like Invisalign® or braces to work effectively.
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Impacted Teeth - Teeth that fail to erupt properly and remain trapped under the gums, such as wisdom teeth.
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Infected Teeth - When an infection cannot be resolved with root canal therapy.
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Advanced Periodontal Disease - Teeth that have lost too much bone support due to gum disease. |
Types of Tooth Extractions
Our dental team offers two primary types of extractions depending on your needs:
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Simple Extraction - Performed when the tooth is visible above the gumline. The tooth is gently loosened and removed with minimal discomfort.
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Surgical Extraction - Necessary for impacted or severely damaged teeth. Our dentist makes a small incision in the gum, and in some cases, removes bone or divides the tooth into smaller sections for easier removal. |
Both procedures are done under local anesthesia for a comfortable, stress-free experience. Sedation options may also be available for patients with dental anxiety.
Wisdom teeth are a common cause for extraction. When they grow in at an angle, become impacted, or crowd nearby teeth, they can cause pain, swelling, or infection. We provide careful evaluation and safe removal of wisdom teeth to prevent long-term complications.
Aftercare and Recovery
Following your extraction, proper care is essential to ensure healing and avoid complications:
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Control Bleeding - Bite down on gauze for the first few hours until bleeding slows.
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Eat Soft Foods - Stick to soups, yogurt, and smoothies for the first 24–48 hours.
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Avoid Straws and Smoking - These can dislodge the clot and lead to dry socket.
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Maintain Oral Hygiene
- Brush and floss carefully, avoiding the extraction site at first.
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Follow Pain Management Instructions - Take medications as prescribed and apply ice packs as needed. |
Most patients recover within a few days, though complete healing of the gum and bone may take several weeks.
Other Restorative Solutions After Extraction
If a tooth is removed, replacing it may be recommended to restore chewing function and prevent shifting of nearby teeth. At Jerome Riddle DDS, we provide several options, including:
FAQs About Tooth Extractions
Is tooth extraction painful?
No. Extractions are performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort afterward can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication.
How long does it take to heal after a tooth extraction?
Most patients feel recovered within 2–3 days, though complete healing of the extraction site may take a few weeks. Following aftercare instructions helps speed up the healing process.
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom teeth are often removed when they are impacted, cause pain, crowd other teeth, or pose a risk of infection. Our team can evaluate your wisdom teeth with X-rays to determine if removal is necessary.
Schedule a Dental Visit
Visit our dental team at Jerome Riddle DDS if you have an impacted tooth, badly damaged tooth, or a tooth that requires extraction. Schedule an appointment by dialing 480-991-4410. |
