Tooth Extractions

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Dr. Sinacola, periodontist in Grand Rapids, MI, greeting a tooth extraction patient with a handshake.

Removing a tooth as gently as possible

Extraction is recommended when a tooth is compromised beyond what treatment can reasonably save — the goal from there is a smooth removal that sets up whatever comes next.

Where it makes sense, we take care to preserve the bone around the socket, often with bone grafting at the same visit, so the site stays ready for a future dental implant or another restoration.

A tooth extraction patient checking in at our periodontist office in Grand Rapids, MI.

Why an extraction gets recommended

It’s never the first option — only recommended once it’s the option that serves you best.

  • Extensive gum disease has left a tooth without enough support to keep
  • Decay or damage has gone beyond what a restoration can repair
  • A fracture has compromised the tooth below the gumline
  • Crowding or an orthodontic plan calls for extra room

The procedure and what follows

A straightforward visit, with the next step already in mind before you leave.

The extraction

Performed under local anaesthetic, with attention to the surrounding bone and tissue so healing starts on the best possible footing.

Replacing the tooth

Once healed, many patients move forward with a dental implant to replace what was removed — we’ll talk through whether that’s the right fit for you.

Frequently asked questions

Is a tooth extraction painful?

The area is fully numbed beforehand, so the extraction itself shouldn’t hurt — some soreness afterward is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.

What happens to the socket after a tooth is removed?

We often place a bone graft at the same visit to preserve the socket, keeping it ready for a future dental implant or other restoration.

How long does it take to heal after an extraction?

Initial healing takes about one to two weeks, though the socket continues to fill in and remodel for a few months afterward.

Will I need to replace the tooth?

Not always, but leaving a gap can shift neighbouring teeth over time — we’ll talk through whether a dental implant or another option makes sense for you.

Been told you need an extraction?

Ask your dentist for a referral, and we’ll walk you through the visit and what comes after it.

What to expect All perio services

Memberships and affiliations

Dr. Sinacola is a board-certified periodontist and an active member of the organizations that set the standard for periodontal care — here in West Michigan and nationally.

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