Tooth Extractions in Mobile, AL

That's the first question we ask too. We don't recommend extractions unless we've ruled out the alternatives. A tooth with a cavity, crack, or infection can often be saved with a filling, crown, or root canal. We'll take X-rays, examine the tooth, and give you an honest assessment of whether saving it is realistic — including what it would cost and how long it would likely last if saved versus extracted. Some teeth genuinely can't be saved. Others can, and we'd rather save them.

The procedure itself should not hurt — we numb everything completely before we start. You may feel pressure and movement but not pain. If at any point you feel pain during the procedure, tell us immediately and we will add more anesthetic. After the numbness wears off you will likely be sore for a day or two — that is normal and manageable.

A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that's fully visible in the mouth and can be removed in one piece with forceps. A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is impacted, broken at the gum line, or has roots that make simple removal risky — it requires a small incision to access the tooth. Both are done with local anesthetic in our office. Surgical extractions typically have a slightly longer recovery.

A simple extraction usually takes just a few minutes once you are numb. A surgical extraction takes longer — anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the complexity. We will give you a realistic estimate at your appointment.

Eat a normal meal beforehand unless you've been told otherwise — it's easier to tolerate local anesthetic on a full stomach. Let us know about any medications you're taking, especially blood thinners, since some affect healing. If you're being sedated, follow the fasting instructions we give you. Arrange a ride if you're having sedation or expect to feel groggy afterward.

Soft foods for the first few days — yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, soup (not too hot), scrambled eggs. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or chewy that could disturb the clot or get packed into the socket. As healing progresses you can gradually return to normal eating, usually within a week for simple extractions.

Dry socket happens when the blood clot that forms in the extraction site gets dislodged or dissolves before the area heals. It is painful — more than the extraction itself — and requires a follow-up visit to treat. Avoiding straws, smoking, and spitting in the first 24 to 48 hours significantly reduces the risk.

Most patients feel well enough to return to a desk job the next day. If your job involves physical labor we recommend taking it easy for two to three days. Listen to your body.

Wait at least 72 hours — ideally longer. The suction from a straw or cigarette and the chemicals in smoke and alcohol can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket after extraction. That clot is what allows the site to heal. If it's disrupted you can develop dry socket (an extremely painful condition where the bone is exposed). Dry socket is one of the most common complications we see after extractions, and most cases are caused by one of these three things. It's worth waiting.

You do not have to — but we strongly recommend it for most teeth. Leaving a gap leads to shifting, bone loss, and bite changes over time. The one exception is wisdom teeth — those do not need to be replaced since they are not essential for chewing or bite stability.

Most dental insurance plans cover extractions at least partially. Simple extractions are usually covered at a higher percentage than surgical extractions. We will verify your benefits before your appointment so you have a clear cost estimate.