Tooth Extraction in Plantation, FL

No one looks forward to having a tooth pulled - but when a tooth is badly broken, infected or loose, removing it is often the fastest way to stop the pain and protect the rest of your smile. At Westside Dental Center, we provide gentle tooth extraction in Plantation, FL, with careful numbing, a calm team and a clear plan for what comes next.

Dr. Uttma Dham has more than 20 years of experience, and her approach is simple: save your natural tooth whenever we can, and when a tooth extraction really is the best option, make it as comfortable and predictable as possible.

When is a tooth extraction needed?

We always look for a way to save a tooth first - often with a filling, a root canal or a crown. Tooth removal may be the best choice when:

• A tooth is too badly decayed or broken to be repaired
• A tooth has cracked below the gum line or down the root
• An infection can't be treated with a root canal, or keeps coming back
• A tooth is loose because of advanced gum disease
• Teeth are crowded and need to make room for orthodontic treatment
• A baby tooth won't fall out on its own and is blocking the adult tooth
• A failing tooth is being replaced with a dental implant

Simple vs. surgical tooth extraction

A simple tooth extraction is used for a tooth that is fully visible in the mouth. After numbing the area, Dr. Dham gently loosens the tooth and lifts it out. Most simple extractions take only a few minutes.

A surgical tooth extraction is used when a tooth has broken off at the gum line, has curved or long roots, or hasn't fully come in. A small opening in the gum gives access to the tooth, which may be removed in sections to protect the surrounding bone. It sounds more involved than it feels - you're numb throughout, and many patients are surprised by how quick it is.

Tooth extractions for children

As a family practice, we also help children when a baby tooth needs to come out - for example, when it's badly decayed, damaged in a fall, or won't fall out on its own and is blocking the adult tooth underneath. We take extra time to explain each step in kid-friendly language, numb the area gently and keep the visit short and calm. If a baby tooth is lost early, we'll check whether a space maintainer is needed to keep room for the adult tooth.

Emergency tooth extraction

A broken tooth, a swollen face or pain that keeps you up at night can't wait. We keep time open for urgent care, and Fridays are reserved for surgeries and emergencies, so an emergency tooth extraction can often be done the same day you call. Call or text (954) 476-4535, tell us what happened, and we'll get you in as quickly as we can. Learn more on our emergency dentist page.

How much does a tooth extraction cost?

The cost depends on the tooth and the type of procedure. The main factors are:

• Whether it's a simple or a surgical procedure
• The tooth's location, size and number of roots - back molars take more time than front teeth
• Whether X-rays or 3D imaging are needed
• Whether a bone graft is placed to prepare for an implant
• The type of anesthesia or sedation you choose

We're in-network with most PPO dental plans, and most plans cover part of a medically necessary extraction. You'll get a clear estimate before treatment, and flexible financing is available through CareCredit, Proceed Finance and LendingClub Patient Solutions.

Replacing a missing tooth after an extraction

Unless the tooth is a wisdom tooth or was removed for orthodontic reasons, we'll talk with you about replacing it. When a gap is left open, the teeth beside it can drift, the tooth above or below can over-erupt, and the jawbone in that spot slowly shrinks. Your options include:

• A dental implant - a permanent replacement that also preserves the jawbone
• A dental bridge - a fixed tooth supported by the teeth on either side
• A partial or full denture - a removable option for several missing teeth

Do you need a bone graft after a tooth extraction?

If you plan to replace the tooth with an implant, Dr. Dham may recommend a bone graft - sometimes called socket preservation - at the same visit as your extraction. Graft material placed in the empty socket helps keep the bone full and strong while it heals, so there's enough bone to support an implant later. Our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Sawan Malik, also cares for patients with more complex bone and gum needs.

Tooth extraction healing timeline

Healing after a tooth removal is usually quicker than people expect. Here's what a typical recovery looks like:

• The first 24 hours: A blood clot forms in the socket. Bite gently on gauze, rest and keep your head raised. Don't rinse, spit or use a straw.
• Days 2 to 3: Mild swelling and tenderness start to ease. Begin gentle warm salt-water rinses.
• Days 3 to 7: The gum starts to close over the socket and most discomfort fades.
• Weeks 1 to 3: The gum tissue heals over. The bone underneath keeps filling in for the next few months.

What to eat after a tooth extraction

For the first day or two, choose soft, cool or lukewarm foods - yogurt, applesauce, smoothies eaten with a spoon, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soup that isn't too hot, oatmeal and pasta. Chew on the other side of your mouth, and slowly return to your normal diet as the area feels better.

Avoid crunchy, hard, spicy and very hot foods for several days, and skip alcohol, smoking and straws while the socket heals.

How to prevent dry socket

Dry socket is the most common problem after an extraction. It happens when the protective blood clot is lost too early, and it usually causes throbbing pain two to four days later. To protect the clot, avoid straws, smoking, vaping and forceful spitting, and follow your aftercare instructions closely. If the pain gets worse instead of better, call us - a soothing dressing usually brings quick relief.

Having wisdom teeth taken out? See our dedicated wisdom teeth removal page. We provide tooth extraction for patients from Plantation, Sunrise, Davie, Weston, Cooper City and Fort Lauderdale.