Simple extraction
For a tooth you can see above the gumline. The area is numbed, and the tooth is loosened and lifted out.
General dentistry
Tooth Extraction in Tamarac, FL
When a tooth can't be saved, we take it out and plan what comes next.
We remove damaged, infected and wisdom teeth at our Tamarac office. The area is numbed first, and sedation options are available if you feel anxious. We also go over how to replace the tooth if you want to.
Wisdom teeth tooexam and X-rays come first
Sedation optionsnitrous oxide or oral sedation
- (954) 322-3865Call
- Mon to Fri, 8 AM to 5 PMHours
- Most major PPO plansInsurance
- English and SpanishLanguages
Quick answer
When does a tooth need to be extracted?
A tooth is usually pulled when it is too damaged to repair: deep decay, a fracture below the gumline, an infection a root canal can't clear, or a tooth loosened by advanced gum disease. Wisdom teeth come out when they are impacted, infected, painful or damaging the tooth next to them. The dentist examines the tooth, takes X-rays and tells you whether it needs to come out.
X-rays firstso you know exactly why a tooth should come out
Why it's done
Reasons a tooth is removed
A filling, a crown or a root canal can often keep a damaged tooth in place, so removal is not the first step. When too little healthy tooth is left, or an infection can't be cleared, taking the tooth out protects the teeth and bone around it.
Wisdom teeth are the last to come in, usually between about 17 and 25. Many people have no trouble with them, and not every wisdom tooth has to come out. They are removed when they are stuck under the gum, keep getting infected, hurt, decay, damage the tooth beside them or can't be kept clean. Your X-rays show which case you are.
Common reasons for an extraction
- Deep decay that a filling or crown can't fix
- A tooth cracked below the gumline
- An infection a root canal can't clear
- Gum disease that has loosened the tooth
- An impacted or infected wisdom tooth
- A tooth removed to make room before braces
Your visit
What to expect during an extraction
Exam and X-rays
The dentist checks the tooth and the bone around it and takes X-rays. You hear what is involved and what it costs before anything starts.
Numbing
The area is numbed, so you feel pressure but not pain. If you are anxious, ask about nitrous oxide or oral sedation.
Removal
The dentist loosens the tooth and takes it out. A tooth you can see above the gum is the simpler case. Wisdom teeth and broken roots can take longer.
Aftercare and next steps
You get aftercare instructions to take home, and a plan for replacing the tooth if you want to.
Types of extraction
Which kind of extraction do you need?
The exam and X-rays decide.
Impacted or broken-off teeth
A tooth broken off at the gumline, or one that hasn't fully come in, can be more involved. The dentist reviews your X-rays and tells you whether we can treat it here or whether a specialist referral would serve you better.
Wisdom tooth removal
Recommended when a wisdom tooth is impacted, infected, painful or damaging the tooth next to it. One that causes no trouble can often stay.
Cost and insurance
What a tooth extraction costs
The cost depends on the tooth and how involved the removal is. You get the cost in writing before treatment starts.
Many plans cover part of an extraction. We accept most major PPO plans and check your benefits before treatment. If you pay yourself, monthly financing through CareCredit, Sunbit, Cherry or Alphaeon can spread the cost, subject to approval.
Healing
Caring for the area after an extraction
The first 24 hours
Bite on the gauze until the bleeding slows. Skip spitting, rinsing hard, straws and smoking, which can dislodge the blood clot that protects the socket.
Swelling and soreness
A cold pack on the cheek in short sessions helps on the first day. Stick to soft, cool foods and chew on the other side.
Watch for dry socket
If the clot comes loose, pain that gets worse a few days after, a bad taste or visible bone can mean dry socket. Call us. It can usually be relieved with a medicated dressing.
Plan the replacement
A gap lets the neighboring teeth drift and the bone shrink over time. Ask about an implant, a bridge or a partial denture at your visit.
Questions patients ask
Tooth extraction questions
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
The area is numbed first, so you feel pressure and movement but not pain. Soreness for a few days afterward is normal, and the dentist tells you what to take for it. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are available if you are anxious.
When do wisdom teeth need to come out?
When they are impacted, infected, painful, decaying or pushing on the tooth beside them, or when they can't be kept clean. They usually come in between about 17 and 25. If a wisdom tooth gives you no trouble, the dentist may suggest keeping an eye on it with regular X-rays.
What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket happens when the blood clot in the empty socket comes loose before it heals, leaving bone exposed and causing pain that gets worse a few days after the extraction. To protect the clot, skip straws, smoking and hard rinsing for the first day and follow the aftercare sheet. If the pain gets worse instead of better, call us.
How can I replace a missing tooth?
Options include a dental implant, a bridge anchored to the neighboring teeth, or a partial denture. The best choice depends on the tooth, the bone and your budget, and the dentist goes over them with you.
Can I be seen the same day for a painful tooth?
Often, yes, on weekdays. Call (954) 322-3865 as early as you can. Whether the tooth comes out that day depends on the exam. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling that is spreading into the face or neck, go to the ER or call 911.
What if my wisdom teeth are impacted?
The dentist reviews your X-rays and tells you whether we can treat it here or whether a specialist referral is the better choice. Either way, you know the plan and the cost before treatment.
Patient reviews
What patients say
Google reviews from patients of our Tamarac office.
- Emily Juliana Castillo Mavarez★★★★★
10/10 with the staff, the doctor and everyone in the office, everything was so clean and professional, will be coming back soon
- Tomas Rodriguez★★★★★
Excelente servicio de atención al paciente. Fui atendido por la asistente Tibisay, la cual me atendió con mucho profesionalismo y dedicación. Estaré agradecido por sus servicios
- Vanessa Rodriguez★★★★★
Muy buena la atención de la Dr. Blanca y su asistente Tibisay.
- Reinaldo May★★★★★
Me hice un implante y todo fue super espectacular, la atención de Tibisay y la Dra. Blanca me hicieron sentir tranquilo. Recomendado 100%
- Tom Rodriguez★★★★★
Excellent service, and the assistant Tibisay was lovely.
- Marianela Perez★★★★★
Excelente
- Diana Bermudez★★★★★
Muy buena experiencia , el personal es profesional y atento . Me sentí en confianza en todo momento. Recomendado al 100%
- Tibisay Hernandez★★★★★
La atención excelente de parte de todo el personal, en especial de la Dr. Martin muy profesional, ¡bastante recomendados!
- Lieny Arteaga★★★★★
Great experience at Metropolitan Smile Design!!!
- Gloria Molina★★★★★
Me tratan super bien aqui , me hice mi limpieza hoy con Alina, Ella es muy linda siempre conmigo .Todas las muchachas son muy amables aqui
Related care
Replacing a tooth and related care
Appointments
Request your appointment
Tell us what you need and a team member will call you to confirm a time. New patients are always welcome.
- Send the form
It takes about a minute.
- We call you back
During office hours, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
- Come in for your visit
New patients can start with the $65 exam, digital X-rays and basic cleaning.
- Rated 5.0 on Google
- English and Spanish
- Most insurance accepted
Thank you. We got your request.
Our front desk will call you during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, to book your visit.
Need us sooner? (954) 322-3865We only use your details to contact you about your visit.
Need a tooth looked at?
Metropolitan Smile Design in Tamarac sees new and returning patients from across Broward County. Our team speaks English and Spanish.