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Tooth Extractions

Family & General Dentistry located in Olympia, WA
Tooth Extractions

Tooth Extractions services offered in Olympia, WA


If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, there is nothing to fear. At Access Dental in Olympia, Washington, the team of experts offers painless tooth extractions that help you get back on track to a healthy and beautiful smile. Call the office today to book a visit, or schedule an appointment online in just a matter of moments.

Tooth Extractions Q&A

What are tooth extractions?

Tooth extraction is the dental term used to refer to a “pulled” tooth. Extractions are common in modern dentistry, although not as common as they were in decades past. 

Not long ago, limitations on what could be achieved through restorative care led many dentists to suggest extraction. Thanks to advancements in dental technology, there are now many ways to preserve your natural teeth through state-of-the-art restorative care. 

However, there remain instances in which extraction is the best way forward. In such cases, your dentist explains what to expect in terms of the process, recovery experience, and expense. 

When are tooth extractions necessary?

Tooth extractions are a good treatment option in the following cases:

  • Fractured tooth
  • To relieve crowding
  • To prepare for orthodontic treatment
  • Severe decay
  • Traumatic injury

Extractions are also used to remove impacted wisdom teeth. When your last set of molars become trapped fully or partially beneath the gumline, extraction is the only way to remove the tooth and avoid further complication.

What happens if a tooth breaks at the gumline?

Having a tooth break off at or beneath the gumline is a stressful and often incredibly painful experience. In a “standard” extraction, your dentist uses special tools to grasp the tooth and begin moving it in a back-and-forth motion. 

This rocking motion weakens the connection between your tooth and the underlying bone. The tooth can then be lifted out of the socket. In cases where a tooth breaks near the gumline, there may not be enough tooth tissue left to grasp. 

A simple oral surgery procedure allows your dentist to access your tooth by making an incision within your gum tissue. In some cases, the dentist needs to break the tooth into smaller pieces to aid in removal, but you’re fully numb and won’t feel any pain.

Regardless of which type of extraction you need, your dentist provides thorough instructions on how to care for the extraction site. Following these instructions is important to support your body as it heals and reduce the risk of complications. 

If you have questions or concerns about tooth extraction, call the office to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking page to find a time that fits your schedule.