Tooth Extractions

Removes teeth that are too damaged or decayed to save

Tooth Extractions

Removing a tooth is always the last option. When a tooth cannot be saved, a careful extraction relieves pain, stops infection spreading, and clears the way for a replacement that restores your bite.

When a Tooth Cannot Be Saved

We treat extraction as a decision to reach only after the alternatives have been considered. A tooth may need removing when:

  • Decay has destroyed too much structure for a filling or crown to hold
  • A fracture extends below the gumline
  • Advanced gum disease has eroded the supporting bone
  • Infection cannot be resolved with root canal treatment
  • A wisdom tooth is impacted or causing recurring problems
  • Crowding needs to be relieved before orthodontic treatment
  • A baby tooth has not come out on its own and is blocking the adult tooth

At Rita Marroghi DDS, we explain why extraction is being recommended and what the alternatives would involve, so the decision is yours and fully informed.

What to Expect During Treatment

Most extractions are completed in a single appointment.

The area is numbed thoroughly first. You will feel firm pressure during the procedure — this is normal and is not pain. If you feel anything sharp, tell your dentist and more anesthetic will be given.

A simple extraction removes a tooth that is fully visible above the gumline. The tooth is gently loosened and lifted out, and the process usually takes only a few minutes.

A surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is broken at the gumline or has not fully erupted. A small incision is made, and the tooth may be sectioned into pieces for easier removal. Stitches may be placed, and are often the dissolving kind.

Gauze is placed over the site and you bite down.

Replacing the Tooth

A gap does not stay a gap. Neighboring teeth drift into the space, the opposing tooth over-erupts, and the bone beneath the gap gradually resorbs. Over time this changes your bite and makes replacement more complex.

We discuss replacement options before the extraction, not after:

  • Dental bridge — fixed, anchored to the neighboring teeth
  • Implant restoration — for patients with an existing implant, or planning one
  • Partial denture — removable, and suited to multiple missing teeth
  • Immediate denture — placed the same day, so you are never without teeth

Front teeth in particular are worth planning for in advance.

After Your Extraction

The first 24 hours matter most, because a stable blood clot is what allows the site to heal.

On the first day:

  • Bite firmly on the gauze for 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Do not rinse, spit, or use a straw — suction can dislodge the clot.
  • Do not smoke; this is the single largest cause of complications.
  • Apply a cold compress for 20 minutes on and off to limit swelling.
  • Stick to soft, cool foods and rest.

From the second day:

  • Rinse gently with warm salt water several times daily.
  • Brush your other teeth normally, avoiding the extraction site.
  • Return to soft foods, chewing on the opposite side.
  • Continue any prescribed antibiotics fully.

Contact us if you experience:

  • Severe pain three to four days afterward, which may indicate a dry socket
  • Bleeding that does not slow after several hours
  • Increasing swelling after day three
  • Fever, or a bad taste that does not clear

Most patients feel substantially better within three days.

Why Choose Rita Marroghi DDS for Tooth Extractions?

Nobody looks forward to having a tooth removed. What makes the difference is thorough anesthetic, an unhurried approach, and knowing exactly what to expect afterward.

Dr. Marroghi has over 25 years of experience and refers complex surgical cases to an oral surgeon where that is the right course. We also discuss replacing the tooth before the extraction, so you leave with a plan rather than just a gap.

If you are in pain, call the office. We do our best to accommodate urgent same-day appointments at both locations.

Benefits of Timely Extraction

  • Relieves pain from a tooth that cannot be saved
  • Stops infection spreading to surrounding bone and tissue
  • Prevents damage to neighboring teeth
  • Removes the source of recurring problems
  • Allows replacement planning to begin
  • Creates space where crowding requires it

Emergency Situations

For a knocked-out or badly damaged tooth, call the office immediately — a knocked-out permanent tooth can sometimes be re-implanted if treated within the hour. Keep it in milk, and do not scrub the root.

For a life-threatening or severe injury, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Our Locations

Serving the Metro Detroit area from Walled Lake and Pontiac — same great care, two locations.

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Testimonials

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Frequently Asked Questions

01. What should I expect during my first visit?
During your first visit, our team will review your medical and dental history, discuss any concerns you may have, and gather the information needed to provide appropriate care. Completing your patient form before your appointment can help save time.

The practice is committed to helping patients become informed decision-makers who fully understand their dental conditions and treatment options. The team will listen to your concerns and explain its recommendations so you can make an informed choice about your care.

The practice encourages patients to prepare for their appointment and discuss any concerns with the dental team. Sharing your anxiety in advance helps the doctor understand your needs and provide appropriate care during your visit.

The practice treats dental injuries such as chipped, displaced, or knocked-out teeth. Same-day treatment is not guaranteed on the website, so patients should call the office immediately for assistance and appointment availability. For a life-threatening or severe injury, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

The practice provides routine and restorative dental services, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, dentures, root canal treatment, and sealants to protect children’s teeth. Contact the office to discuss the most appropriate care for you or your child.