What is the recovery period following tooth extraction?

Typically, the recovery period following tooth extraction lasts for several days. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth recovery: 1. Immediately following the procedure, apply an ice pack to reduce swelling—only use the ice pack in 10-minute increments. 2. Once the dentist places the gauze over the extraction site, bite down to facilitate clot formation and reduce bleeding. Leave gauze in place for 1 to 2 hours. If the gauze becomes soaked with blood, remove and rinse with cold water, place a new piece of gauze over the site, and apply firm biting pressure for at least 30 minutes. 3. Take prescription or over-the-counter medications as directed. 4. Rest/relax for at least 24 hours and don't immediately jump back into your normal routine the next day. 5. Avoid using a straw for 24 hours. 6. Don't smoke. 7. Do not rinse for 24 hours following extraction and only gently spit. 8. Use pillows to elevate head when lying down. 9. Brush/floss as normal, avoiding extraction site. 10. Eat soft foods the day after the procedure (pudding, applesauce, yogurt, etc.). 11. 24 hours after the procedure, rinse mouth with ½ teaspoon of salt combined with 8 ounces of water. 12. Slowly transition back to your typical diet over the next few days. If you have signs of infection or the pain doesn't resolve after several days, make an appointment as soon as possible.

Tooth Extraction in Salt Lake City, UT

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Tooth Extraction

At Legacy Dental in Salt Lake City, Utah, we offer a variety of preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dental services to help you enjoy a lifetime with your natural teeth. Unfortunately, there may come a time when you need to have a tooth extracted.

What is tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. If you're facing a tooth extraction, it can be daunting and nerve-wracking. However, this is a standard dental procedure. This procedure is performed by general dentists, oral surgeon, and periodontists. Your general dentist can help determine who should perform your extraction..
The dentists at Legacy Dental have the experience and expertise to perform this dental procedure. Before we extract a tooth, we will thoroughly examine your mouth, gums, and teeth to determine if there are any other options. If an extraction can't be avoided, we will make the procedure as painless as possible. Since your comfort is our primary concern, we will make sure the area is completely numb before we proceed with the extraction.
There are two types of extractions:

Simple
Surgical

The extraction method used will depend on whether the tooth is visible or impacted.

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Reasons you may need a tooth extracted

See why patients prefer a more secure restoration.

Impaction

Impaction occurs when one tooth is pushing against another because it does not have the space it needs to grow properly. This tooth is vulnerable to infection and can result in red, bleeding, swollen, or tender gums. Typically, patients with an impacted tooth report pain and swelling of the jaw and difficulty opening their mouths.
Typically, the wisdom teeth (third set of molars) are susceptible to impaction because there's not enough space for them to grow upright. If this is the case, it's best to have the wisdom teeth extracted as soon as possible to avoid damaging the other teeth.

Decay

Tartar and plaque buildup can cause tooth decay because it eats away at the enamel, which makes them weak and brittle. If it gets bad enough, an infection may develop resulting in redness, pain, and swelling. If you have a tooth that gets to this point, the best option may be to remove it and replace it with one of our tooth replacement options.

Periodontal/Gum Disease

Periodontal/gum disease is typically caused by tartar and plaque buildup. There are many conditions that may develop in the gums and bone surrounding the teeth, but the two most common are periodontitis and gingivitis.
Periodontitis is inflammation of bones/tissues surrounding teeth and gingivitis is inflammation of the gums around the teeth. If the gums or jawbone around a tooth becomes too deteriorated, the best option may be to extract the tooth and replace it with a crown or dental bridge to preserve neighboring teeth.

Trauma

Often, in an accident, teeth are some of the first casualties. Whether you are hit in the face when playing sports or you are involved in a car accident, your teeth are often vulnerable. In some cases, trauma damages a tooth so much that it cannot be salvaged. If this is the case, extraction becomes necessary.

Overcrowding

Impaction not only causes pain, it can also cause overcrowding- which can cause an otherwise straight, perfectly aligned smile to become crooked. By removing the problem teeth, free space is opened for the other teeth to spread out, which can help patients avoid the need for braces.

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Before and after Tooth Extraction

Get a trusted tooth extraction procedure done by a trusted endodontist in Salt Lake City, Millcreek, South Salt Lake City and around, Utah.

Why Choose Legacy for Extractions

Ability to take 3D cone beam images prior to the treatment process in order to determine exactly what the issue is, and how best to address it

Focus on comfort with complimentary nitrous oxide

With a multitude of services under one roof, we can not only get you out of pain, but we can then replace the tooth when you're ready

Invested in the latest technology for optimal results and patient comfort - like our magnetic mallet, which creates space between the tooth and bone to solve for more complicated cases

While our dentists have the ability to treat a wide range of extraction cases, we are also cognizant of when it is in the patient's best interest to refer out a specific case to an oral surgeon

Ability to work with patients on payments and affordability (e.g., insurance, Care Credit, in-house financing, membership plan)

Extended hours for patient convenience - e.g., open late until 8 pm on Mon-Thur, open Fridays & Saturdays

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Extraction Treatment Process

Simple Extraction

For a simple extraction, you will be given a local anesthetic. This will numb the area surrounding the tooth. You may still feel some pressure as the tooth is removed, but you should not feel any pain. Once the area is completely numb, the dentist will use a dental tool known as an elevator to loosen the tooth and forceps to pull it out.

Surgical Extraction

A surgical extraction is a bit more complex. You will be given a local anesthetic. We will discuss using nitrous oxide, or oral sedation to help you feel calm and relaxed. If you have any underlying medical conditions or severe dental anxiety, we may offer you general anesthesia, which will put you to sleep while we work. When you wake up, the procedure will be over.

For a surgical extraction, we will cut a small incision into your gum. Depending on the condition of the tooth itself and the surrounding bone, we may need to remove some of the bone or cut your tooth before extracting it.

Recovery period following tooth extraction

Typically, the recovery period following tooth extraction lasts for several days. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth recovery:

Immediately following the procedure, apply an ice pack to reduce swelling- only use the ice pack in 10 minute increments

Once the dentist places the gauze over the extraction site, bite down to facilitate clot formation and reduce bleeding. Leave gauze in place for 1 to 2 hours. If the gauze becomes soaked with blood, remove and rinse with cold water, place a new piece of gauze over the site, and apply firm biting pressure for at least 30 minutes.

Take prescription or over-the-counter medications as directed
Rest/relax for at least 24 hours and don't immediately jump back into your normal routine the next day
Avoid using a straw for 24 hours
Don't smoke
Do not rinse for 24 hours following extraction and only gently spit
Use pillows to elevate head when lying down
Brush/floss as normal, avoiding extraction site
Eat soft foods the day after the procedure (pudding, applesauce, yogurt, etc)
24 hours after the procedure, rinse mouth with ½ teaspoon of salt combined with 8 ounces of water
Slowly transition back to your typical diet over the next few days

If you have signs of infection or the pain doesn't resolve after several days, make an appointment as soon as possible.

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Have Questions About Tooth Extraction?

We have answers!

Are there any risks associated with extractions

As with any dental procedure, there are several risks associated with tooth extraction- but if the dentists at Legacy Dental recommend it, the advantages are much greater than the chance of complications.

Typically, following a tooth extraction, your body will naturally form a blood clot in the empty socket- but if the clot does not form or comes out, the bone may be exposed. This is known as "dry socket". If this occurs, the dentist will place a sedative dressing over it for a few days, during which time a new clot should form.
Some other risks of tooth extraction:

Bleeding lasting more than 12 hours
Severe fever/chills (indicates infection)
Cough
Nausea
Vomiting
Chest pain/shortness of breath
Damage to adjacent teeth
Prolonged numbness
Damage to the sinus
Swelling/redness at surgical site

If you experience any of the above following a tooth extraction, you need to contact the dental team at Legacy Dental as soon as possible so that we can address the issue before it escalates.

DENTAL FINANCING OPTIONS AT LEGACY DENTAL

Our office is in-network with all major insurance providers. Please bring your insurance card to each appointment so we can make sure your information is as up-to-date as possible. If you do not find your insurance provider here; please call at (801) 210-8086 for clarity.

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Our Happy Client Testimonials

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Legacy Dental

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Based on 1136 reviews

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Jan Moulding

05:10 25 Apr 26

Dr Stewart and staff comprise an effective and compassionate dental care team. In fact all the dentists and techs and support staff at Legacy Dental have always been professional, knowledgeable, efficient, and nice. Their cash prices are reasonable; their availability and willingness to help are unmatched.

Jan Moulding

05:10 25 Apr 26

Omar Abou obeed

01:04 23 Apr 26

I had a good experience with the doctor and was very quick and got my broken tooth fix perfectly but the only issue I had was on the price because they went through everything and the price was disposed to be 416 so the exam and x-ray was supposed to be $69 dollars and the filling was 347 and I signed the paper agreeing to pay $416 then at the end I get charged $456 I know it’s a 40 dollar difference but I paid out of pocket with no insurance and 416 was already high enough but other then that it was good but don’t change the price on people after already saying one price then just change it at the end

Omar Abou obeed

01:04 23 Apr 26

trevor durham

21:34 22 Apr 26

Legacy Dental has always been very professional and friendly… Thank you!

trevor durham

21:34 22 Apr 26

Legacy Dental has always been very professional and friendly… Thank you!

Nanette Neuberger

14:32 22 Apr 26

The dental care was exceptional and everyone in the office was

extremely friendly, kind and efficient. I will return.

Nanette Neuberger

14:32 22 Apr 26

The dental care was exceptional and everyone in the office was

extremely friendly, kind and efficient. I will return.

Kirk Waterfall

13:02 16 Apr 26

John is the best dentist in the whole state he’s so careful with everything he does your mouth doesn’t even hurt the next day I really appreciate all the friendly faces at Legacy dental they always make you feel so welcome they’re also kind and considerate they’re just the best people to see and like I say John Campbel. is just the best Dentist there is !!!

Kirk Waterfall

13:02 16 Apr 26

Mel green

13:48 06 Feb 26

I have new insurance and wasn't sure where to go. Like everyone else, I viewed ratings for the best dentist and sure enough, Salt Lakers did not disappoint. The Legacy Dental Staff is like a well run machine. Everyone is nice, professional and knows what they are doing. The office is large but its not overwhelming and everyone knows, going to the dentist can be scary. Legacy is calm and welcoming and everyone is there to make sure your comfort is number one. And of course, every person for every step of my appointment was excellent. Dr. Campbell has a very gentle manner. I wish I had found this office years ago. Thank you!

Mel green

13:48 06 Feb 26

Justin Chipman

02:08 06 Feb 26

The aid was super comforting. I haven't had dental work in almost 10 years. The Dentist was nice. They let me choose what work would be done and it was super affordable for someone without insurance. I would recommend them to anyone

Justin Chipman

02:08 06 Feb 26

Pb Sch

01:27 06 Feb 26

This was my first time visiting Legacy Dental with Dr. Jonathan Campbell office.

I had a part of my old filling come off, and they were able to schedule me for the very next day, which I truly appreciated. I arrived on time and had completed the new patient paperwork online prior to my arrival. As soon as I walked in, I was welcomed into a pleasant and professional environment. The front desk gal (Heather)already knew who I was and made me feel comfortable right away. Heather at the front desk was especially welcoming and helpful.

Shortly after checking in, I was taken to the operatory by the dental assistant, Keisha. She was excellent!!, knowledgeable, very communicative, personable, and attentive to my concerns before the doctor even came in.

Dr. Jonathan Campbell then performed the examination, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I was very nervous about seeing a new dentist, but all my fears disappeared. He was gentle, efficient, and incredibly professional. Hands down, he is the best dentist I have ever had in my life.

I left the office feeling great and, surprisingly, actually enjoyed the visit—something I never thought I would say about a dental appointment.

I live in EM, and it takes me about an hour and a half to get there, but it is absolutely worth the drive to be seen by Dr. Campbell and his outstanding staff. Without a doubt, this is my dentist for life.

Pb Sch

01:27 06 Feb 26

Jemila hassy

01:53 04 Feb 26

I had such a great experience at this office. The dentist and staff were incredibly kind, patient, and informative. They took the time to explain all my options and offered an affordable in-house payment plan, which made a huge difference for me. I finally feel confident and excited about my dental care. I truly appreciate their honesty and compassion…highly recommend!

Jemila hassy

01:53 04 Feb 26

Trudy Webber

16:52 08 Nov 25

Always a good experience.

Trudy Webber

16:52 08 Nov 25

Always a good experience.

Louie Mercer

22:08 05 Nov 25

I’ve been going there for years, just love everybody and their service to me

Louie Mercer

22:08 05 Nov 25

I’ve been going there for years, just love everybody and their service to me

William Malm

01:18 05 Nov 25

I have been a patient of Dr.Campbell for many years.He is very caring and knowledgeable!I can't imagine going anywhere else for my dental care.

William Malm

01:18 05 Nov 25

I have been a patient of Dr.Campbell for many years.He is very caring and knowledgeable!I can't imagine going anywhere else for my dental care.

Matt Ogden

03:05 29 Oct 25

So good to have a dentist that I enjoy and trust. Thanks Dr H!

Matt Ogden

03:05 29 Oct 25

So good to have a dentist that I enjoy and trust. Thanks Dr H!

Amberae Leon

15:02 28 Oct 25

I was recommended by a friend and this is by far the best dental office I’ve been to. The staff is so friendly, very comforting and understanding. They make you feel welcome And go at your pace and answer all of your questions.

Amberae Leon

15:02 28 Oct 25

Joy Romero

03:00 28 Oct 25

Excellent!

Joy Romero

03:00 28 Oct 25

Excellent!

David Oliva

01:51 28 Oct 25

Dr. Campbell is great!

David Oliva

01:51 28 Oct 25

Dr. Campbell is great!

Dylan Bartlett

02:51 25 Oct 25

Service was great and staff was super friendly!

Dylan Bartlett

02:51 25 Oct 25

Service was great and staff was super friendly!

Karli Brand

01:55 25 Oct 25

Dr Campbell is the best! We had an amazing experience with him and my daughter today at his office. The best dentist around!

Karli Brand

01:55 25 Oct 25

Dr Campbell is the best! We had an amazing experience with him and my daughter today at his office. The best dentist around!

Kandi Burt

02:54 22 Oct 25

Dr. H and the staff are always so friendly and helpful. Very caring. Would recommend Legacy Dental to anyone!

Kandi Burt

02:54 22 Oct 25

Dr. H and the staff are always so friendly and helpful. Very caring. Would recommend Legacy Dental to anyone!

mreynoldsut

01:21 10 Oct 25

I have been going to Legacy Dental for 15 years, and they are amazing. Recently, I chipped a tooth and was messaging them on their app at 8:30 at night. They were responding and got me an appointment next day. I was able to meet Tina, who is an amazing assistant. She brought in Dr. Call to help, and they were an awesome team together. Humorous, good bedside manner, great conversationalists that made me feel at ease, and they fixed my smile. Brooke was awesome at getting me through insurance and billing, and extremely friendly. Thank you for continuing to provide exceptional service that goes way above and beyond.

mreynoldsut

01:21 10 Oct 25

801x

00:51 09 Jun 24

Great service! Called them saying had mouth pain they got me in that day and even put me in the schedule for a cleaning!

801x

00:51 09 Jun 24

Great service! Called them saying had mouth pain they got me in that day and even put me in the schedule for a cleaning!

Andy Larsen

16:19 04 May 24

I’ve had a fairly intense dental phobia for most of my life, that combined with years of addiction and severe depression really took a toll on my mouth and on my smile. Years ago I started the process of getting dentures with a different dentist and I had such a bad experience that I never wanted to set foot in another dental office again. Then last year when my remaining teeth started to fail, I reached out to Legacy Dental after seeing an add. At my first appointment Dr. H and his staff immediately put me at ease, there was no judgment and it was clear that they knew what they were doing. Throughout the entire process they were professional and they were friendly, and they took really good care of me.
Now here I am seven months later and I have my smile back, for the first time that I can remember I can smile confidently, and I can eat normally. And I owe it all to Legacy dental and the wonderful care that they provided.

Andy Larsen

16:19 04 May 24

Craig Sanders

13:42 19 Apr 24

Dr Campbell was recommended by my dentist in St Louis for being very good with gold restorations. I've been his patient now for 15 years and have appreciated his friendliness, clear communication, excellent dental work, and great staff. I strongly recommend him.

Craig Sanders

13:42 19 Apr 24

David Palacios

15:22 09 Apr 24

I really enjoyed my experience here. From the dental assistants, to the hygienist, to Dr. Campbell himself. They did a great job on my teeth cleaning/exam and I really appreciated that Dr. Campbell took the time to go over everything with me thoroughly. He also went through several options with me and explained each in detail for certain needs that I had. I have full confidence in his professional work and the care he provides. Looking forward to my next visit. 👏

David Palacios

15:22 09 Apr 24

chris jackson

03:40 07 Apr 24

Going to the dentist is usually very stressfull for me. I've always been very comfortable with legacy dental. They work with my hectic schedule and busy life. The dental work is excellent, Ive had a lot of dental work completed at Legacy Dental. I am never pressured to receive any treatment. I am extremely happy with the dental service at Legacy Dental. Dr. H is an excellent dentist.

chris jackson

03:40 07 Apr 24

Elsa Pool

14:55 21 Feb 24

Legacy Dental, especially Dr. Campbell and his staff make going to the dentist a pleasant experience. They always address my concerns and make me as comfortable as possible. I have had several procedures done here and happy with the results.. Wait time is very minimal, the office and exam rooms are always clean and tidy. I have gone here for many years and will continue to do so indefinitely.

Elsa Pool

14:55 21 Feb 24

Jozef Ottowicz

03:47 20 Dec 22

I visited Legacy Dental as a new patient today. My appointment was for teeth cleaning. I was treated from the first moment very professionally and warm.
The entire visit was a very good experience. The service was excellent. I highly recommend Legacy Dental.
Thanks, Jozef O.

Jozef Ottowicz

03:47 20 Dec 22

Matthew Field

20:00 28 Oct 22

Recently visited Legacy Dental with a dental emergency. The team got me in same day and the staff was both courteous and professional. The doctor quickly assessed the issue and took me through my options in detail. The staff then helped arrange a follow up meeting with a partner clinic to treat my issue before I left. Thank you so much Legacy team, a very memorable and positive experience.

Matthew Field

20:00 28 Oct 22

cynthia

23:36 20 Oct 22

If you are one of those individuals who are apprehensive about dental procedures like me, this is the best place for you because Dr. Behlke is an incredible Dentist. He replaced several of my old fillings with precision care and my teeth look beautiful. Another plus I really liked is how the office is professional and easy to find.

cynthia

23:36 20 Oct 22

Lexiey Munsell

21:34 18 Oct 22

I went in for Wisdom tooth pain. They had a last minute cancel and I got in there, same day! Which I was extremely thankful for cuz of the intense pain I was experiencing. I was in and out of there, WITH them being able to do the extraction, and X-ray in less than an hour! They were awesome! And! It was a fraction of the cost of what other offices were charging for the procedure. Especially cuz I don’t have insurance. Amazing staff, excellent dentist! 100/100 for me.

Lexiey Munsell

21:34 18 Oct 22

Ashleigh Ames

00:10 05 Oct 22

I love Legacy! They are everything you need and more. I've needed emergency dental work on a few occasions and they have always gotten me in same day, within the hour most of the time. Every single staff including dentists have been sweet and positive, and have always made me feel comfortable. I avoided going to the dentist most of my life, I just wish I would have known about them sooner.

Ashleigh Ames

00:10 05 Oct 22

Folau Leota

18:16 12 Aug 22

Love this Dental Clinic. My wife Tupu came in with a lot of pain, came out within 45 minutes. All done and good. Thank you Dr. Stewart and your assistant. Staff was very welcome. Appreciate and will be looking forward to more visits. Highly Recommended!

Folau Leota

18:16 12 Aug 22

David Nish

17:47 06 Aug 22

Been going to Dr John Campbell for 15+ years. I won’t see anyone else. Every visit has been with as much care and concern as the my first visit. He is thorough, super professional, and won’t settle for anything less than perfection. Thank you Dr Campbell!

David Nish

17:47 06 Aug 22

Josh Harowitz

01:55 02 Aug 22

The work I'm getting done has just started but I've already been having such a great experience with Legacy Dental. Everyone there has been amazing to work with.
I'll update my review when I finish my treatment.

Josh Harowitz

01:55 02 Aug 22

Alissa Lenzinger

22:51 07 Jun 22

Compared to my previous (money hungry) dentist, this place is like a golden palace of greatness! Everyone is friendly and accommodating, and they make sure you're comfortable throughout your visit whether it's a routine cleaning or a crown replacement (I had both). I definitely recommend Legacy Dental! Thank you!

Alissa Lenzinger

22:51 07 Jun 22

destiny ivie

17:06 19 Mar 22

Been going here a year and a half now.
Such a clean nice place.
They get to know you and are super understanding.
My life’s a mess and they have no problem with my schedule and my being late and having to cancel.
I really appreciate the staff makes getting dental work nice

destiny ivie

17:06 19 Mar 22