- What Is Tooth Extraction?
- How Are Tooth Extractions Performed?
- What Are the Benefits of Tooth Extractions?
- Tooth Extractions Reviews
- Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Tooth Extraction?
- What To Expect After Tooth Extractions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Tooth Extractions When Necessary
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
What Is Tooth Extraction?
At Sexton & Weiskopf Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to preserve your overall oral health when all other options have been exhausted. Whether due to severe decay, infection, overcrowding, trauma, or something else, when a tooth cannot be saved, Drs. Sexton, Weiskopf, and Russ provide exceptional care to ensure your comfort throughout the extraction process. While the thought of a tooth extraction may be concerning, our advanced techniques and sedation options make the experience as comfortable as possible. Understanding the reasons behind tooth extractions can help you feel more confident and prepared for the procedure. To learn if you have a tooth beyond repair, contact our Memphis, TN practice for an exam.
How Are Tooth Extractions Performed?
Dental extractions are performed in our office with a form of sedation, depending on the degree of the treatment and any dental fears and anxieties you may have. As soon as you're ready, one of our doctors will start the procedure. To complete a simple extraction, the tooth will be loosened using a special device known as an elevator before removing the tooth. A surgical extraction involves making incisions in your gums to reach the tooth. If needed, the tooth might be broken up into smaller pieces so that it can be taken out. Once the tooth is removed, we will suture the incision in your gums. We may prescribe antibiotics to be taken before and after the procedure — in case you've got a current infection, if your immune system is weak, if the procedure is prolonged, or if you have other specific health problems.
What Are the Benefits of Tooth Extractions?
While some of our Germantown, Arlington, and Memphis, TN patients might want to put off or avoid their tooth extractions, getting these procedures performed as soon as possible following detection can provide the following oral wellness advantages:
- Relatively quick procedure that can be performed in-office
- Averts impairment and infection of healthy surrounding teeth
- Performed using a topical anesthetic to dull the area and keep you as comfortable as possible
- Prep for implant choices to replace the aesthetic and function of the missing tooth
- Could work to stop the spread of infection
Tooth Extractions Reviews
Dr. Weiskopf is extremely nice and talented! I went here for my wisdom teeth extraction and it was such a breeze with minimal discomfort after. The entire office is friendly, professional, and helpful. Couldn’t recommend this practice any more!
Dr. Weiskopf and his staff were kind, gentle, efficient, and communicative while I was in their care. I had a necessary tooth extraction yesterday at their office and I’ve been comfortable at home ever since. They were able to remove a back molar without over-stressing my jaw. They also took into consideration my severe sleep apnea when choosing the right level of anesthesia for me, and I received anti-nausea medication to help me tolerate my pain medicine as requested. I feel like they heard and took into consideration my needs as an individual patient and not just another body in the chair. I recommend using this professional team.
We've been going to this practice for a number of years and have had all of our kids wisdom teeth removed with them. They are always kind and professional! They had family friendly TV in the waiting room in Arlington and the new office is very nice and clean!
I was generally concerned about my the tooth extraction but it went well. Dr Sexton was very calm, considerate, and re-assuring through out the procedure. I had local anaesthesia to numb the area and I did not feel anything during the surgery. It was smooth and quick including a few stitches. Instructions for after care were shared verbally as well as on paper to take home with me, as well as a prescription to pick up from my local pharmacy. Overall it was a great experience and if I need to get any other extractions I know I am in safe hands. And the icing on the cake was the after hours check up call. I had my surgery at about 1pm and Doctor Sexton called me at 7pm to check up on me.All was well, even after the anaesthesia wore off I didn’t need and pain meds!! 48 hours later no swelling or pain. Thank you Doctor Sexton and team for a great patient experience!!
Dr. Sexton and his team are awesome. And I mean from the receptionists, to the Nurses, to the radiologists to Dr Sexton. Just First Class going back to when Dr Sexton extracted my sons wisdom teeth 20 years ago. Good man and really cares about his patients.9-02-2025 - Another great experience with a First Class organization. Dr Sexton has been systematically correcting a lot of youthful exuberance and aggressive sports on my part. Crowns that have exceeded their life expectancy after 40 years. I love that the full process may take a little longer but your end result is a rock solid removal of a bad tooth and replacement with an implant that is done professionally and built to last. And a little fun college sports talked mixed in.
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Total Reviews
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Average Rating
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Tooth Extraction?
When a tooth is damaged or decayed, Dr. Sexton will do everything possible to repair it using fillings, bonding, or crowns. However, some teeth are too severely compromised and must be extracted to protect your overall oral health. Extractions are sometimes necessary for other reasons, such as to prevent crowding or make room for orthodontic treatments. Here’s when an extraction might be the best choice for you:
- Severely damaged or decayed teeth that cannot be restored with other treatments
- Wisdom teeth that develop around ages 17–21 and often require removal to avoid overcrowding or pain
- Baby teeth that have not fallen out on their own, which can block the eruption of permanent teeth
- Preparation for orthodontics like braces or Invisalign, where removing one or more teeth can help create the space needed for proper alignment
What To Expect After Tooth Extractions
Depending on the type of anesthesia used during your extraction, you may need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home. As your gums heal, it’s important to avoid smoking, using straws, or spitting to ensure proper recovery. Some swelling is normal following an extraction, and we recommend using cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medication to manage any discomfort. In certain cases, a prescription for pain relief or antibiotics may be provided. Recovery time can vary based on the type of extraction, but most patients find it helpful to stick to soft, cool foods for a couple of days after the procedure. Dr. Sexton will provide personalized guidance on what to expect during the healing process and how to care for your gums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods and drinks are safe after a tooth extraction?
Sticking to a diet of soft foods and liquids is essential for a comfortable recovery after a tooth extraction. This should be followed for a few days or until the initial discomfort subsides. It’s important to avoid using straws, as the sucking motion can dislodge stitches or cause bleeding.
Will a tooth extraction be painful?
If you need a tooth extraction, rest assured that we prioritize your comfort. We offer sedation options and take great care to perform the procedure with minimal discomfort, ensuring a smooth experience for you.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Depending on your case, recovery from a tooth extraction typically takes about two weeks to a month. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. If you have any concerns during your recovery, our team is always available to assist.
Tooth Extractions When Necessary
When you have a tooth that is damaged beyond repair or if your mouth doesn't have space for a tooth, a dental extraction at Sexton & Weiskopf Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery may be performed to help improve your smile and oral health. Make an appointment with Drs. Sexton, Weiskopf, or Russ at our practice in Memphis, TN to learn more about simple and surgical tooth extractions.