At Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH, we approach every extraction with care, clear communication, and respect for your comfort. Most extractions are performed with local anesthesia, so the area is numb while the tooth is gently loosened and removed. We explain what to expect before, during, and after your visit, and we help you plan for replacing the tooth if needed, so your smile stays healthy and complete.
Schedule an Extraction ConsultationWhen Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
We never recommend removing a tooth lightly. An extraction is considered when the tooth cannot be restored in a way that will last or when leaving it in place would put your oral health at risk. Here are some of the most common reasons a tooth may need to be removed.
- Severe decay that has destroyed too much of the tooth to repair
- A tooth that is broken or fractured below the gumline
- A tooth with a deep infection or abscess that cannot be treated successfully
- Advanced gum disease that has left a tooth loose from lost bone support
- A wisdom tooth that is impacted, painful, or causing damage to nearby teeth
- A tooth that is badly positioned or crowded and interferes with treatment
- A tooth that needs to be removed before dentures or other restorations are placed
Some extractions are straightforward, and others, especially wisdom teeth, may require more advanced oral surgery techniques. If you have sudden pain, swelling, or an injury, our emergency dentistry page explains what to do.
We Try to Save Your Natural Tooth First
Your natural tooth is the best chewing tool you have, so we explore every reasonable option before recommending removal. Restoring the tooth keeps your bite balanced, protects your jawbone, and avoids the need for a replacement. Depending on the condition of the tooth, we may recommend one of these treatments first.
- A composite filling for decay that has not spread too far
- A dental crown to protect and rebuild a heavily damaged tooth
- Root canal therapy to treat an infected or inflamed nerve and save the tooth
- Periodontal treatment to restore gum and bone health around a loose tooth
When these options will not give a lasting result, we will explain why in plain language, and we will walk you through your choices. The decision to move forward is always yours.
From Numbing to Healing, Your Extraction Visit Step by Step
Knowing what to expect can make your visit calmer. Most extractions are straightforward, and we move at a pace that keeps you comfortable. Here is what you can expect.
01
Consultation and Imaging
We examine the tooth and take digital X-rays or 3D images to see the roots and surrounding bone. We explain what we found and why extraction is recommended.
02
Planning Your Care
We review your health history, talk about comfort options, and discuss how we will replace the tooth, if needed.
03
Numbing the Area
Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and the tissue around it, so you stay comfortable during treatment.
04
Gently Loosening and Removing the Tooth
The tooth is carefully loosened and removed. For more complex cases, we use advanced techniques designed to protect the surrounding bone and tissue.
05
Controlling Bleeding and Closing
Gauze pads are placed over the tooth socket for you to bite down on, which applies pressure and helps stop bleeding. Stitches are sometimes needed, and they may dissolve on their own or be removed at a follow up visit.
06
Aftercare and Follow Up
We give you clear written instructions for recovery and schedule a follow up visit when needed, so you know what to do and who to call.
Gentler Technology for More Comfortable Extractions
Careful planning and modern tools can make a real difference in how an extraction feels and how well you heal. We use technology that helps us see clearly and treat tissue gently. These tools support our approach.
- Piezotome CUBE. This ultrasonic bone surgery device allows bone work to be done faster, with less overall trauma to the surrounding tissues and greater patient safety. It is especially effective for atraumatic extractions, and it can reduce pain and post operative swelling.
- Cone beam 3D imaging. This provides more detailed images than traditional X-rays, with less radiation, so we can plan around roots, nerves, and sinuses. Learn more about our dental technology.
- Digital X-rays. These give instant, high quality images with less radiation than film.
Replacing a Missing Tooth After an Extraction
It is generally recommended to replace a tooth after it is removed, with the exception of wisdom teeth. Replacing the tooth helps prevent nearby teeth from shifting, protects your bite, and supports your jawbone. We will talk with you about your options before the extraction, so you have a plan in place. Depending on your situation, those options may include the following.
- A composite filling for decay that has not spread too far
- A dental crown to protect and rebuild a heavily damaged tooth
- Root canal therapy to treat an infected or inflamed nerve and save the tooth
- Periodontal treatment to restore gum and bone health around a loose tooth
Get Relief and a Clear Plan for Your Smile
If you have a painful, damaged, or infected tooth, you do not have to wait and hope it improves. An exam can tell you whether the tooth can be saved or needs to be removed, and a clear plan will help you feel confident about what comes next. Our team at Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH is ready to care for you with gentle, thoughtful treatment. Schedule your visit today.
Book Your Extraction ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions
A tooth is typically extracted when it has too much decay or damage to be restored, when it has a deep infection that cannot be treated successfully, or when advanced gum disease has left it loose. Wisdom teeth that are impacted or causing problems may also need to be removed. We always try to save a natural tooth first with a filling, a crown, or root canal therapy. If restoration is not possible or advisable, an extraction may be recommended to prevent infection and protect your oral health.
Most extractions are performed with local anesthesia, which numbs the tooth and surrounding area so you should not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure or movement as the tooth is loosened and removed. Afterward, some soreness and swelling are normal and can usually be managed with the instructions our team gives you. Let us know if you are anxious or uncomfortable at any point, so we can help.
A simple extraction is often completed in a short appointment, and more complex cases can take longer. The length depends on the tooth, the shape of its roots, and whether it is impacted. Our team will give you an estimate based on your exam and images when you schedule. We never rush, since a careful approach helps protect the surrounding bone and tissue.
Immediately afterward, you will bite on gauze to help stop bleeding, and stitches are sometimes needed. These may dissolve on their own or be removed at a follow up visit. Most patients feel better within a few days, and the socket continues to heal over the following weeks. Rest, soft foods, ice, and careful aftercare make a big difference, and our team will give you clear written instructions.
Dry socket happens when the blood clot in the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves too early, exposing the bone and causing pain. You can help prevent it by avoiding straws, forceful spitting or rinsing, and smoking for the first days after your extraction. Following your aftercare instructions closely also helps. If you develop worsening pain a few days after your extraction, call our office so we can help.
For the first day or two, choose soft, cool foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies eaten with a spoon, and soup that is not too hot. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or very hot foods that could irritate the area or dislodge the clot. As you heal, you can slowly return to your normal diet. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth until the area feels comfortable.
In most cases, yes, with the exception of wisdom teeth. Replacing a missing tooth helps keep nearby teeth from shifting, protects your bite, and helps preserve the jawbone. Options include a dental implant, a dental bridge, or a denture, depending on how many teeth are missing and the health of your gums and bone. We will discuss your options before the extraction so you have a plan in place.
Many dental plans cover part of the cost of extractions, although coverage levels, waiting periods, and annual maximums vary. Surgical extractions are sometimes classified differently from simple ones. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid and are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit. Our team will verify your benefits and explain your costs before treatment, and you can learn more on our Insurance and Financing page.
