Tooth Extractions
Serving Patients in Vancouver WA

Nobody ever wants a tooth extraction, but when a tooth becomes infected or damaged, the pain can be unbearable – and it’s a risk to your overall health. At Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, we understand what you’re going through, and that’s why we specialize in making tooth extractions as easy and comfortable as possible for you.
Call us today to schedule a consultation or appointment for tooth extraction in Vancouver WA. Our state-of-the-art office is an inviting place where you’ll feel at ease throughout the process, and our experienced staff will be there to answer any questions you may have.
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When Do You Need Teeth Extractions?
There are many reasons why a tooth needs to be removed. A damaged or infected tooth does not have the ability to repair itself. While teeth are living structures, they can’t heal on their own. This is why we recommend taking care of dental issues as soon as possible before infections can spread or additional damage occurs.
Common reasons for tooth extractions:
- Extensive trauma or damage
- Severe decay or infection
- Gum disease
- Too many teeth, called supernumerary
- Overcrowded teeth
- Orthodontic treatment for evenly spaced and aligned teeth
- Wisdom teeth extractions
How Do Teeth Extractions Work?
Having a tooth removed is also known as exodontia, dental extraction, tooth removal, or tooth pulling. When we advise that your tooth needs to be removed, it is only after a detailed examination and we’ve determined that it cannot be restored, repaired, or saved. At Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, we specialize in two procedures for extracting teeth: simple extractions and surgical extractions.
Both procedures are performed in our office and are typically completed in a single visit.
- Simple Extraction: This method of tooth removal is for teeth that can be seen and reached without cutting into the gum line or supporting bone structure. We give you a local anesthetic to numb the procedure area.
- Surgical Extraction: When teeth are not easily seen or reached, the tooth needs to be broken up and taken out in pieces, or when a tooth has been broken off close to the gum line, surgical extraction may be necessary. Some teeth have long or multiple roots that require a surgical extraction. For surgical extraction, you may receive full anaesthesia, and sutures may be required to close the area.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
You probably have questions before you schedule your tooth extraction appointment. It’s only natural. Here are some of the most common questions we get from patients. If you don’t find your answer here, give us a call and speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members!
A. The cost of a tooth extraction can vary, depending on the amount of dental work involved, the location of the tooth in the mouth, and if there are any additional anatomical considerations, such as nerve or sinus involvement.
Patients with additional health conditions may need antibiotics before, after, and during the procedure. The majority of dental insurance plans will include coverage for most or all, of a tooth extraction.
It depends on the type of procedure you need. A simple extraction can be taken care of in as little as half an hour to an hour. Surgical extractions take slightly longer – most take forty-five minutes to an hour or more, depending on the extent of the work done. Complex surgical extractions can take as long as an hour and a half to two hours.
Factors that may influence how long it takes include:
- The type and size of the teeth: For example, molars are larger and have multiple roots. They take longer than a smaller tooth, like a canine.
- Condition of the teeth: A tooth that’s badly decayed or broken into multiple pieces will require a much more complicated removal process.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia at the site of the procedure is much quicker than general anesthesia.
You will want to plan for the days immediately following your tooth extraction because it’s likely you’ll need some downtime. Here’s what we recommend:
- Arrange for a ride home: We recommend this for everyone, but it is required if you receive oral sedation or general anesthesia. You will be unable to drive yourself, and should arrange for an adult to take you home. Ideally, that person should stay with you a few hours afterward to monitor you.
- Take time off: If you have a job or regular activities, make sure to let people know you will be unable to attend. At least a few days is recommended.
- Stock up on foods: Go grocery shopping before your appointment. Get soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, soups, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
- Notify your doctor if you take any medications: This is crucially important as there may be drug interactions. Patients who are taking medications for heart ailments may be required to take an antibiotic before and after the procedure.
- Follow your doctor’s guidelines explicitly: If your doctor tells you something, make sure you follow their instructions exactly.
We do everything possible to ensure it hurts as little as possible, but for a procedure of this nature, it’s not always possible to eliminate pain or discomfort completely. You may feel a pulling sensation if you’re awake for the procedure, and in the days following, there may be some soreness. You should be feeling close to normal within a few days to a week or so. Are there any risks to a tooth extraction? No surgical procedure is completely without risks, but tooth extraction is an extremely safe and routine procedure. If you experience any of the following after your procedure, feel free to give us a call:
- Dry socket
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Swelling
- Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
Experienced Tooth Removal Dentists
At Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, we believe in taking care of the whole patient – and that means you. When your situation necessitates a tooth extraction, we always make sure you have the best possible experience.
If you also need solutions for missing teeth, we have a wide variety of comfortable and natural-looking options, including dental implants!
When it comes to your teeth, you shouldn’t wait – contact us today to schedule an appointment.
