Tooth Extraction in Nashville, TN
Nashville Tooth Extraction Overview
Treatment Essentials at a Glance
What it is: The careful, professional removal of a tooth that cannot be saved due to severe decay, damage, infection, crowding, or trauma.
Typical appointment time: 20–40 minutes
Recovery/Results timeline: 1–2 days for initial healing; full bone healing takes 3–6 months
- • Severely decayed or damaged teeth beyond repair
- • Teeth with irreparable infections, abscesses, or gum disease
- • Overcrowding that requires tooth removal for orthodontics
- • Emergency situations with severe tooth pain or trauma
- • Impacted or problematic wisdom teeth
Understanding Tooth Extraction
When Removal Is the Right Choice
Saving natural teeth is always the priority. But sometimes extraction is the best option for your long-term oral health. If a tooth is severely decayed, fractured below the gum line, infected beyond repair, or affecting your bite, removing it prevents serious complications and makes room for successful replacement.
At Nations Dental Studio, modern extraction techniques minimize discomfort and preserve bone structure for future replacement. The area is numbed thoroughly, and sedation options are available. You feel pressure—never pain. Clear aftercare guidance supports fast healing.
After extraction, you are not left with a gap. We discuss replacement options—dental implants (the gold standard), bridges, and dentures—to find what fits your lifestyle, budget, and goals. Most patients return to normal activities within 24–48 hours.
Your Extraction Experience
What to Expect During Tooth Extraction
Before Your Appointment
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Avoid eating or drinking anything except water for 2–3 hours before your appointment
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Take any prescribed antibiotics as directed up to your appointment
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Arrange transportation if you're having sedation (someone must drive you home)
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Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your mouth
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Bring your insurance card and arrive 10 minutes early for check-in
During Your Visit
Assessment and Numbing
The tooth is examined with X-rays and the extraction plan discussed. Topical numbing gel is applied, then local anesthesia. If sedation is part of your plan, it is administered now. No pain, only pressure.
Tooth Removal
Specialized instruments loosen the tooth and remove it from the socket. The process takes 10–20 minutes per tooth. You hear instruments and feel vibration, but never sharp pain.
Socket Management
After removal, bone graft material may be placed (if needed for future implants) and sterile gauze stops bleeding. Some patients benefit from stitches to close the socket and promote healing.
Immediate Aftercare
Bite on gauze for 30–45 minutes to form a blood clot. Pain management, activity restrictions, and healing timeline are reviewed. Written instructions and prescriptions provided.
After Treatment
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Bite down gently on gauze for 30–45 minutes; change gauze if bleeding continues
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Apply ice packs for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling
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Keep your head elevated with extra pillows for at least 3 days
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Take prescribed pain medication with food as directed (ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be alternated)
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Rinse gently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz water) starting 24 hours after extraction
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Eat soft, cold foods for the first few days (yogurt, smoothies, ice cream, mashed potatoes, applesauce)
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Avoid hot foods, spicy foods, hard foods, and crunchy foods for at least one week
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Do NOT use straws, spit forcefully, or rinse vigorously for at least 72 hours (risk of dry socket)
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Do NOT smoke or use tobacco for at least 72 hours; ideally avoid for 7 days
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Do NOT drink alcohol, especially while taking pain medication
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Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and exercise for 3–5 days
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Sleep with your head elevated for the first week
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Contact us if pain increases after 3 days, if swelling worsens, or if you have signs of infection
Nations Dental Studio Difference
Why Patients Trust Us for Tooth Extraction
Why choose us: As a top-rated provider of Tooth Extraction in Nashville, Nations Dental Studio serves professionals and families in The Nations, Sylvan Park, Green Hills, and Belle Meade who want modern, compassionate care.
Gentle, Bone-Preserving Technique
Careful techniques minimize trauma to surrounding tissues. This protects your future options for implants, bridges, or other replacements and reduces healing time.
Multiple Sedation Options
Local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or IV sedation—whatever comfort level you need. Anxious about the procedure? Covered.
Same-Day Emergency Care
Severe tooth pain or trauma? Emergency extractions are prioritized. We fit emergency patients in quickly. Call for immediate relief.
Replacement Planning
Extraction is the first step. Implants, bridges, dentures, and hybrid solutions are discussed during your consultation so you have a clear path to restoring your smile.
Aftercare Support
Written post-extraction instructions, prescription pain medication if needed, and follow-up calls to monitor healing. If complications arise, we help.
Is Extraction Necessary?
When Tooth Extraction Is Recommended
You may be a good candidate if:
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Teeth with severe decay that extends below the gum line or cannot be restored by filling or crown
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Fractured or cracked teeth where the crack extends below the gum line
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Teeth with serious infections, abscesses, or advanced gum disease that threatens bone
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Severely impacted or problematic wisdom teeth causing pain, crowding, or cysts
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Teeth causing bite problems or pain that will improve with extraction
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Teeth that are mobile (loose) due to severe bone loss and cannot be saved
Other options may be better if:
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Root canal therapy can often save an infected tooth if the infection is contained within the tooth structure
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Fillings, inlays, or crowns may restore a cracked or decayed tooth if enough tooth structure remains
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Gum disease treatment and bone regeneration therapies may save a tooth with moderate bone loss
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Orthodontics can address crowding without extraction in many cases, though sometimes extraction improves the final result
Not sure if extraction is necessary? Each case is evaluated individually, and all alternatives are discussed before recommending removal. The goal is always to preserve natural teeth when possible—but when extraction is the best path forward, it is performed gently with replacement planning built in.
Your Questions Answered
Common Questions About Tooth Extraction in Nashville
How much does tooth extraction cost in Nashville?
Simple extraction (one root tooth): $75–$200. Surgical extraction (impacted or complex): $200–$600+, depending on complexity. Most dental insurance plans cover 80% of extraction costs. We can provide a cost estimate and verify your coverage before treatment.
Is tooth extraction painful?
No. Local anesthesia numbs the area completely, so you'll feel pressure and vibration but never sharp pain during the procedure. Some patients experience soreness and mild discomfort for a few days after, which is normal and manageable with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.
How long does recovery take after tooth extraction?
Initial healing takes 1–2 weeks; the socket will feel tender during this time. Most patients resume normal activities within 24–48 hours. Complete bone healing (the socket filling in completely) takes 3–6 months. The final step—bone remodeling—can take up to a year, which is why we often wait a few months before placing an implant.
What is dry socket, and how do I prevent it?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot inside the socket is dislodged, exposing bone. This is rare (2–5% of extractions) but painful. Prevent it by: (1) biting on gauze as instructed, (2) avoiding straws and rinsing for 72 hours, (3) avoiding smoking and alcohol, (4) avoiding strenuous activity. If you develop severe pain after 2–3 days, call us—dry socket is easily treated.
Can I have sedation for my extraction?
Yes. We offer multiple sedation options: local anesthesia alone, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or IV sedation. If you have anxiety about dental procedures, sedation ensures you're relaxed and comfortable. Someone must drive you home if you have anything beyond local anesthesia.
What should I eat after extraction?
Stick to soft, cool foods for at least 3–5 days: yogurt, smoothies (no straw), ice cream, pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes, soup (cooled), soft bread, scrambled eggs. Avoid hot, spicy, hard, crunchy, and sticky foods. After 5–7 days, gradually return to your normal diet as comfort allows.
Can I smoke or drink alcohol after extraction?
Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours, ideally 7 days; smoking significantly increases dry socket risk and delays healing. Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours, and never while taking pain medication. Both smoking and alcohol impair blood clotting and increase infection risk.
What are my options for replacing an extracted tooth?
Three main options: (1) Dental implant (permanent, looks and feels most natural, lasts 20+ years), (2) Dental bridge (fixed prosthetic anchored to adjacent teeth), (3) Partial denture (removable, most affordable). We discuss pros/cons and cost of each during your consultation. For back teeth with no visible impact on your smile, no replacement is also an option.
Do you offer emergency tooth extraction?
Yes. If you're experiencing severe tooth pain or trauma, call us immediately. We prioritize emergency patients and work to fit you in the same day or next available appointment for relief. Don't wait—severe pain often signals an urgent problem we can help resolve.
How long should I wait before getting an implant after extraction?
Ideally, 3–6 months. This allows the socket to heal and bone to fill in. In some cases (like immediate placement), we can place an implant the same day as extraction, though this is not always ideal. We'll discuss the best timeline for your situation during your consultation.
Complementary Treatments
You May Also Be Interested In
Dental Bridge
A fixed prosthetic that bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth or implants. Unlike removable partial dentures, a dental bridge is permanently cemented in place for a stable, natural-feeling solution.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed in your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots, supporting custom crowns that look and function like natural teeth. Nations Dental Studio provides expert consultations, evaluations, and final crown restorations with trusted oral surgeon partners.
Dentures
Custom-crafted removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and restore your bite, available as partial dentures (replacing several teeth while preserving natural ones) or full dentures (replacing all upper or lower teeth).
Emergency Dentist
Immediate care for dental injuries, infections, or severe pain. Walk-ins welcome. Same-day treatment for toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, abscesses, lost restorations, and knocked-out teeth.
Relieve Your Tooth Pain Today
Schedule Your Tooth Extraction Consultation in Nashville
If extraction is the best option for your oral health, we perform it gently, support your healing, and help you plan restoration with implants, bridges, or other solutions. Do not let tooth pain affect your quality of life—contact Nations Dental Studio today.
5-Star reviews from our Nashville patients
We have worked with thousands of amazing patients
Nations Dental Studio has over 457 reviews and a 5.0 rating on Google
"I always dread the dentist but Dr. D'Aoust made me feel so comfortable. She was personable and friendly. 10 out of 10 recommend!!"
"Today was my first time at Nations Dental Studio and it was far and away the best experience I have ever had at a dental practice. The hygienist was meticulous and made me feel very comfortable throughout. The specialist was just as great, I really felt like they cared about my teeth/ health like nothing I have experienced at other practices. I cannot say enough good things about my entire visit."
"This was the best dental experience I have ever had. Dr. D'Aoust performed my cleaning and examination. The cleaning was very thorough, very gentle, and informative. She told me the purpose of everything she was performing. Dr. D'Aoust is very personable and welcoming. This was the first time I've actually enjoyed going to a dentist."
"I always dread the dentist but Dr. D'Aoust made me feel so comfortable. She was personable and friendly. 10 out of 10 recommend!!"
"Today was my first time at Nations Dental Studio and it was far and away the best experience I have ever had at a dental practice. The hygienist was meticulous and made me feel very comfortable throughout. The specialist was just as great, I really felt like they cared about my teeth/ health like nothing I have experienced at other practices. I cannot say enough good things about my entire visit."
"This was the best dental experience I have ever had. Dr. D'Aoust performed my cleaning and examination. The cleaning was very thorough, very gentle, and informative. She told me the purpose of everything she was performing. Dr. D'Aoust is very personable and welcoming. This was the first time I've actually enjoyed going to a dentist."
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