Tooth Extraction in Salt Lake City, UT

Get Tooth Extraction for a stable and strong smile.

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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!

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.

Our Happy Client Testimonials

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Legacy Dental
4.8
Based on 675 reviews
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Jozef OttowiczJozef 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.
Matthew FieldMatthew 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.
cynthiacynthia
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.
Lexiey MunsellLexiey 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.
Ashleigh AmesAshleigh 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.
Folau LeotaFolau 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!
David NishDavid 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!
Josh HarowitzJosh 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.
Alissa LenzingerAlissa 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!
destiny iviedestiny 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
Alexis HowlandAlexis Howland
21:51 23 Nov 21
Staff is always super helpful and friendly. Been coming here since I was a kid and I’ve always had a positive experience.
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How to reach us in and around Salt Lake City, Utah

Monday: 8.00am – 8:00pm
Tuesday: 8.00am – 8:00pm
Wednesday: 8.00am – 8:00pm
Thursday: 8.00am – 8:00pm
Friday: 8.00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 8.00am – 2:00pm
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