Sometimes a tooth is too damaged, decayed, or infected to save, and Tooth Extraction is the honest next step. Smile Center Dentistry walks through aftercare before you're numb, not after.
A socket that isn't managed properly can complicate healing — we plan for that from the start. Recovery matters as much as the procedure itself, which is why aftercare gets real attention here.
A second opinion within our own team is standard for borderline cases before extraction is finalized. Extraction is treated as the last option, not the default one.
Straightforward extractions are handled in-house; more complex surgical cases are coordinated with an oral surgeon when needed. We don't attempt cases beyond our scope — we refer out when that's genuinely the better option.
If you're considering an implant later, socket preservation grafting can protect bone volume at the time of extraction. Once bone volume is lost, restoring it later is more involved than preserving it at the time of extraction.
Follow-up checks are scheduled proactively, not left for you to remember to book. We'd rather answer a quick call than have you guess whether something is normal.
Not every extraction is the same procedure — here's what's typically involved depending on your case.
For teeth that are visible and accessible, a simple extraction using an elevator and forceps is usually quick. We confirm the socket is stable before you leave.
We explain exactly why a case needs a surgical approach rather than defaulting to it. Recovery expectations are discussed honestly, since these cases take longer to heal.
Bone grafting material placed in the socket immediately after extraction helps preserve volume for a future implant. We explain the added cost and healing time clearly before you decide.
Antibiotics may be prescribed alongside extraction depending on infection severity. We monitor healing closely on infected extraction sites.
Written aftercare instructions cover swelling, diet, and dry socket prevention specific to your procedure. We're reachable directly if something feels off during recovery.
We discuss replacement options — bridge, denture, or implant — before treatment, not after the teeth are already gone. Staging complex cases in phases is sometimes the better approach, and we'll say so.
Call +1-866-227-2801 and describe the tooth and symptoms — that shapes what we check at your exam.
We explore alternatives to extraction first, and only proceed once it's genuinely the best option.
Local anesthesia keeps the procedure comfortable; simple cases are typically quick, surgical cases take longer.
We're reachable directly during recovery if swelling or pain seems off.
"Simple extraction, done in about 20 minutes, and the aftercare sheet answered every question I would have called about."
"Socket preservation grafting was explained clearly since I want an implant eventually. Glad I did it at the same visit."
"Infected tooth pulled same week I called. Antibiotics beforehand and the pain was gone within days."
"Numbness check before they started, and I genuinely didn't feel the extraction itself."
"Discussed a bridge versus implant before pulling the tooth, not weeks later when I was scrambling to decide."
We check numbness thoroughly before starting, and manage post-procedure discomfort with clear aftercare guidance. We check in after your procedure if we expect a more involved recovery.
We determine this with a digital X-ray and exam before your appointment day, not as a surprise mid-procedure. We explain which category your case falls into and why, before you're in the chair.
We cover dry socket prevention specifically in your written aftercare instructions. It's uncomfortable but treatable if it happens — call us right away if you suspect it.
If you're considering an implant later, grafting at the time of extraction helps preserve bone for that future procedure. Grafting adds a modest amount to recovery time but can save complications later.
We give you a realistic timeline specific to your case, not a generic estimate. We schedule a follow-up to confirm healing is on track for your specific case.
We break down each component of the cost so there's no confusion about what you're paying for. We verify insurance benefits beforehand so you know your out-of-pocket cost.
Our team serves Ballwin and the surrounding zip codes with the same careful, aftercare-focused approach at every visit. Whether it's one tooth or several, our Ballwin team handles the full case from consult through recovery.
We'll explore every alternative before recommending extraction.
Call +1-866-227-2801