Oral Surgery
Tooth Extractions & Oral Surgery
Local surgical experience — the reason area orthodontists send their patients to us.
When Removing a Tooth Is the Right Call
Nobody wants to lose a tooth. In some situations, though, removing a tooth is the healthiest and most predictable path forward — whether that’s clearing space for orthodontic treatment, resolving a tooth that’s beyond saving, or removing wisdom teeth that are causing problems.
Dr. Yates has 13 years of surgical experience and is trained to handle a wide range of extractions in our office — including many that would typically be referred to an outside specialist. Local orthodontists routinely send patients here for surgical extractions.
Types of Extractions We Provide
Simple extractions
For teeth that are visible above the gumline and have enough structure to be gripped and removed with standard instruments. Most simple extractions are done under local anesthesia and take under 30 minutes.
Surgical extractions
For teeth that are broken at the gumline, impacted, or have complex root anatomy. These require a small incision and are usually done under local anesthesia in our office.
Wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth (third molars) often need to come out when they don’t have room to erupt properly, are impacted, or are creating pain, infection, or crowding. Dr. Yates removes many wisdom teeth in-office; the more complex cases may still be referred out for IV sedation if that’s the safest choice for you.
Bone-preserving extractions
When an extraction is done in preparation for an implant, bridge, or denture, preserving the surrounding bone matters. In many cases we’ll place a bone graft at the time of extraction to protect the ridge — see our bone grafting page for more.
What to Expect at Belfast River Dental
You’ll always know the plan before we start. Dr. Yates will walk through what she’s seeing on your X-rays, why the tooth is being recommended for removal, whether a bone graft is part of the plan, and what recovery will look like.
Most extractions in our office are done under local anesthesia. You’ll be numb but awake. For patients who prefer additional comfort during the procedure, we’ll talk through the options that are appropriate for your specific case.
Recovery
Most patients feel back to normal within a few days. You’ll leave with clear written instructions covering:
- How to manage bleeding and swelling in the first 24 hours
- What you can and can’t eat while the site heals
- How and when to gently rinse
- What warning signs to call us about
Dr. Yates or a team member will check in after the procedure to make sure your healing is on track.
Cost & Payment
Costs for extractions vary based on the type of extraction and whether additional procedures like bone grafting are needed. We’ll give you a written estimate before treatment begins.
We accept dental insurance, and offer CareCredit and Sunbit financing if you’d like to spread the cost over time.
Extraction FAQs
How much does an extraction cost?
It depends on the complexity of the extraction and whether other procedures (like a bone graft) are done at the same time. We’ll give you an exact estimate after your consultation.
Will it hurt?
You’ll be numb during the procedure with local anesthesia. Most patients report some soreness for a day or two afterward, which is usually well-controlled with over-the-counter medication.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients feel back to normal within 3–5 days. Bone and gum tissue take a few more weeks to fully heal underneath. You’ll get specific recovery instructions before you leave.
Do I need to have my wisdom teeth removed?
Not always. Wisdom teeth that come in fully and can be cleaned properly can often be left in place. When they’re impacted, crowding other teeth, or causing infection, removal is usually the safer path.
What happens after the tooth is out?
Depending on where the tooth was and your future plans for that area, we may recommend a bone graft at the time of extraction to preserve the ridge for a future implant or bridge. Dr. Yates will discuss this with you as part of the treatment plan.
Need a Tooth Removed?
Call us for a straightforward consultation — we’ll walk through your X-rays, your options, and what a treatment plan would look like.