When saving it isn’t possible, we make removal easy.
Calm, careful extractions, plus a plan for the space afterward so a missing tooth doesn’t turn into a bigger problem. PPO insurance accepted.
Should this tooth come out?
Pulling a tooth is our last option, not our first. If there’s a reasonable way to keep it, through a filling, a crown, or a root canal to clear infection, that’s where we start.
Removal is the right answer when a tooth can’t be repaired. Typical situations:
An exam and X-ray give us the real answer. If your tooth can be kept, you’ll hear that from us. If it can’t, we’ll show you why and keep the extraction simple.
• Decay or infection has destroyed too much of the tooth to rebuild.
• A crack runs below the gum, leaving nothing solid to restore.
• Advanced gum disease has loosened the tooth in its socket.
• Crowding, where taking one tooth out creates needed space, often coordinated with an orthodontist.
The extraction itself, and the days after
Most extractions are over faster than patients anticipate. In brief:
Anesthetic. We numb the tooth and surrounding gum thoroughly. Pressure and movement are normal; pain isn’t.
Removal. A tooth that’s fully above the gum usually comes out simply. One that’s broken off at the gumline or partly buried may need a surgical approach, where a small flap of gum is lifted or the tooth is split so each piece slides out with less force.
Closing up. Gauze goes over the site so a clot can form and healing can begin.
After you go home
Expect a sore, slightly puffy jaw for a day or two; ice and over-the-counter pain relief usually cover it. Plenty of people are at work the next morning. Soft meals for a bit, gentle cleaning as shown, and no straws or cigarettes, which can suck the clot out.
If the ache builds around day three instead of fading, suspect a dry socket and phone us; it’s quick to treat. Throbbing or swollen right now? Our emergency dental care page explains how same-day visits work.
For surgical extractions. Keep the rest of the day light, and consider having someone take you home. We’re at 2815 2nd Ave #101, Seattle, in Belltown, a quick trip from anywhere downtown.
Replacing the missing tooth
Filling the space isn’t only cosmetic. It keeps your bite balanced and stops the teeth on either side from tipping in. There are three main routes, and we’ll help you choose:
Not sure which fits? At your exam we’ll compare tooth replacement options side by side and match one to your needs, timing, and budget.
What does an extraction cost?
The price depends on the tooth and how complex the removal is. From our 2026 fee schedule: about $195 for a simple extraction of a fully visible tooth, and about $330 for a surgical extraction that requires removing bone or dividing the tooth. Impacted teeth, including most wisdom teeth, are more involved; see our wisdom teeth removal page for those.
Most PPO plans pay for part of an extraction. We confirm your benefits and put the cost in writing beforehand. For bigger cases, or if you’re replacing the tooth at the same time, you can pay over time through Cherry or CareCredit. Details are on our insurance and financing options page.
How an Extraction Works at BluePeak
Reach out, and tell us if it’s urgent
Book online in a couple of minutes or call (206) 225-2882. If the tooth is painful or swollen now, mention it and we’ll try for a same-day visit.
Exam, X-ray, and a written price
An X-ray shows the root and how much bone is holding it. From there we’ll say whether it’s worth keeping, run your PPO benefits, and print your full cost.
Removal, often at the same visit
Once you’ve decided, we numb the area thoroughly and take the tooth out. Often that happens at the same appointment. More complex cases get booked for a time that suits you.
Home with clear instructions
You’ll get written aftercare covering food, protecting the clot, and managing soreness, and a phone number that reaches our team. Planning a replacement? We map it out before you leave.
