Dental Extractions

Tooth Extractions: Safe, Comfortable Tooth Removal in Chesterfield, Missouri

At Chesterfield Family Dentistry, we approach every tooth removal with empathy and integrity. Preserving your natural teeth is always our goal, but sometimes removal is the healthiest path to restore comfort and prevent further complications. We know the thought of a tooth extraction can feel overwhelming. That’s why we take the time to meet you where you are—making your experience as relaxed and supportive as possible, with a focus on patient comfort and clear guidance at every step.

What is a tooth extraction?

A tooth extraction means removing a damaged, infected, or problematic tooth that cannot be restored. This procedure is performed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort and to protect your overall oral health.

Quick Overview: What Sets Our Extractions Apart

• Same-Day Emergency Service: We offer same-day emergency extractions in Chesterfield, MO for relief from severe pain or infection.
• Gentle Approach: Local anesthesia ensures you feel pressure, not pain, during tooth extraction.
• Quick Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 2 to 3 days when following proper aftercare.
• Flexible Payment Options: We offer a variety of payment plans and financing options to make your dental care as accessible and convenient as possible.
• Expertise Under One Roof: Dr. Silva’s experience and use of advanced technology provide safe, efficient tooth removal with minimal discomfort.

Want to learn more about how extractions fit into our overall menu of dental services? Explore our Services page for an overview of what we offer.

Why We Offer Same-Day Emergency Tooth Extractions

Not all dental problems can wait. Severe infections, abscesses, trauma, or overwhelming pain sometimes require intervention right away. Here at Chesterfield Family Dentistry, we set aside time for urgent cases so that patients in distress can get seen the same day. Common situations that might call for immediate tooth extraction include:

• Major accident or sports injury causing a fractured tooth
• Unbearable pain when medication does not help and the tooth cannot be saved
• Failed previous dental work, such as a root canal or broken restoration

If you need urgent care, call us at 314-878-9808. Our team is prepared for emergencies when you need us most.

What Can You Expect During a Tooth Extraction?

Let’s walk through what happens step by step:

1. Initial Examination: We examine the problem tooth, use digital X-rays (often 3D imaging) to understand its roots and position, and review any medical history that might affect the procedure.
2. Local Anesthesia: We gently numb the area using a local anesthetic. Our advanced digital imaging helps us plan accurately to numb the area properly.
3. Tooth Loosening: Specialized elevators are used to gently rock and loosen the tooth.
4. Careful Removal: Once the tooth is free, we gently lift it out with dental forceps.
5. Socket Management: The site is cleaned. If needed, we place gauze or sutures to help control bleeding and support healing.

For most simple extractions, the entire process takes about 60 minutes, with our priority on keeping you comfortable throughout.

When Does Extraction Become Necessary?

Tooth extraction is generally a last resort. We carefully consider all less invasive options first, but sometimes removal is the best choice, especially with:

• Cavities destroying more than 70% of a tooth’s structure, making restoration impossible
• Advanced periodontal disease with bone loss and significant tooth mobility
• Impacted wisdom teeth causing pain, crowding, or infection
• Orthodontic needs, such as creating room for teeth to align correctly
• Teeth fractured below the gum line
• Failed endodontic treatments, such as persistent infection after root canal
• Extra teeth (supernumerary) disrupting alignment or bite

In all cases, we educate you on the reasoning and potential alternatives, so you feel confident in your next step.

Your Recovery Timeline: Step by Step

Knowing what to expect helps you heal confidently. Here’s how typical healing progresses:

Days 1–2:

• Keep gauze in place to minimize bleeding and change as needed
• Manage pain with ibuprofen and acetaminophen if advised
• Stick to soft, cold foods like yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes
• Avoid strenuous activity or bending
• Do not rinse or brush near the extraction site initially

Days 3–7:

• Peak swelling usually occurs on day 2 or 3, then diminishes
• Begin gentle salt water rinses three times a day
• Progress to soft foods such as pasta, eggs, and soft vegetables
• Resume gentle brushing, avoiding the healing site

Weeks 2–4:

• Most patients return to normal diet and activity after a week
• Gum tissue closes over the site
• If you received sutures, they are typically removed or dissolve at 7–10 days

Tooth Extraction vs. Root Canal: Which Is Right for You?

When your tooth is badly damaged or infected, we weigh two primary options: root canal or extraction. Each has different strengths:

Root Canal:

• Retains your natural tooth
• Usually the more cost-effective solution long-term
• 85–95% success rate if enough healthy tooth remains

Extraction:

• Eliminates pain and infection completely
• Lower initial cost and typically faster
• Recommended when the tooth cannot be saved

We assess your specific situation, explain both options, and support you in making the decision that fits your health and goals.

Simple vs. Surgical Extraction: What’s the Difference?

• Simple extractions are straightforward. The tooth is visible above the gum line and can be removed with elevators and forceps. Recovery is often quick, with minimal swelling.
• Surgical extractions tackle more complex cases like impacted teeth, curved or multiple roots, or a crown broken below the gum. This often means small incisions, possible bone removal, and a little more recovery time.

Insights Into Healing: How Molars and Wisdom Teeth Recover

Healing after back tooth or wisdom tooth extraction is a bit different due to their size and root structure. In the first week, you will want to avoid disturbing the extraction site by using straws or smoking. By days 4 to 7, new tissue forms. This is a normal phase in healing, not a sign of trouble. Most pain peaks on day 2 or 3, declining steadily after that.

Over the next 2 to 3 weeks, gum tissue covers the socket. By four to six weeks, most patients feel completely back to normal. For those planning an implant, this is usually the ideal time for evaluation and next steps.

Understanding Wisdom Tooth Risks and Our Prevention Strategies

Wisdom tooth extractions are routine in our practice, but their location near key nerves and sinuses means we pay special attention to detail. Typical risks include dry socket, temporary nerve injury, sinus openings, and infection. Dr. Silva uses ultra-low dose 3D CBCT imaging for advanced planning, minimizing these risks.

• Pre-procedure imaging: 3D scans for highest accuracy
• Gentle, minimally invasive technique: Preserves bone and soft tissue
• Comprehensive aftercare instructions: We provide clear guidelines plus 24/7 aftercare contact
• Scheduled follow-ups: So your healing stays on track

Why Our Chesterfield Practice for Tooth Extractions?

Here is what makes us different:

• Same-day emergency extractions when you need relief fast
• Advanced 3D CBCT scans and imaging to keep procedures safe and precise
• We use nitrous oxide to help with relaxation for our anxious patients
• Clear, upfront fee estimates and flexible payment arrangements
• Dr. Silva brings experience from over 1,000 extractions. Always with kindness and integrity
• Supportive, educational care so you feel informed, empowered, and respected

We meet you where you are, without judgment, helping you make decisions in the interest of your lifelong health and comfort.

Ready to schedule or need quick relief?

Call us at 314-878-9808 for same-day emergency appointments and compassionate care.

For more detailed patient resources and recovery tips, visit our Patient Center.