Tooth Extractions

Our dentist and the team at Holladay Smiles want you to enjoy a complete, healthy smile for life, but there are times when a tooth extraction in Salt Lake City is the best option for your long-term oral health. Dr. Michael T. Smith can examine a troublesome tooth and discuss whether extraction or another treatment is right for you.

Does your tooth need immediate attention? Call our office to schedule the soonest available appointment with our emergency dentist in Salt Lake City.

Dr. Smith recommends extraction when a tooth cannot realistically be saved with a root canal, crown, or other restorative treatment, such as with severe decay, advanced gum disease, a tooth broken below the gumline, or significant infection. He will always discuss whether a less invasive option could save the tooth before recommending an extraction. Most extractions at our office are simple, meaning the tooth is fully visible above the gumline and can be removed in a straightforward manner. Dr. Smith numbs the area before beginning, and most simple extractions are completed in a single, relatively short visit.

Once a tooth has been removed, replacing it helps prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting and keeps your bite functioning properly. Depending on your needs, Dr. Smith may discuss dental implants, a bridge, or a partial denture as replacement options.

Most simple extractions heal within a week or two, though it can take longer for the underlying bone to fully heal. Dr. Smith will give you specific aftercare instructions, which commonly include resting for the first day, avoiding smoking and using straws, and sticking to soft foods until the area feels more comfortable.