With modern techniques and anesthesia, you'll feel pressure during the extraction but not pain. We use highly effective local anesthesia to completely numb the area, and many patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. After the anesthesia wears off, most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort that is easily managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers. The level of post-procedure discomfort typically depends on the complexity of the extraction.

Recovery occurs in stages. Initial clot formation takes place within the first 24 hours, during which you'll need to follow specific instructions to protect this essential clot. Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 days for simple extractions and 3-5 days for surgical extractions. Complete soft tissue healing takes approximately 2 weeks, while bone regeneration in the socket continues for several months. Following our detailed aftercare instructions significantly speeds healing and minimizes discomfort. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they recover, particularly when they carefully follow post-extraction guidelines.

We offer several excellent replacement options depending on your specific situation. Dental implants provide the most natural-looking and functioning replacement, involving a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone topped with a custom crown. Dental bridges offer another fixed solution, anchoring an artificial tooth to adjacent natural teeth. Partial dentures provide a removable option that can replace multiple missing teeth. During your consultation, we'll discuss the advantages of each option based on your oral health, lifestyle, and budget to help you make an informed decision about the best replacement for your specific needs.

Yes, some degree of swelling is a normal part of the healing process, particularly after surgical extractions or wisdom tooth removal. Swelling typically begins a few hours after the procedure, peaks around the second day, and then gradually subsides over the following days. Applying cold packs to the outside of your face (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) during the first 24 hours significantly reduces swelling. After 24 hours, warm compresses can help reduce residual swelling. If swelling worsens after 3 days or is accompanied by fever or severe pain, contact us immediately, as this could indicate an infection requiring prompt attention.