Woman holding face in pain

Tooth Extraction

From painful damage to overcrowding, there are several reasons why you might need a tooth extraction.

Instead of living with the discomfort, let our Portage, MI, area dentist, Dr. Michael Sharp, help you.

Dental pain is a serious problem, but you can find relief with a tooth extraction at Sharp Smile Center.

Katy's Story

Katy needed extractions to treat her decayed teeth. Dr. Coulibaly listened to her concerns, such as having a bad gag reflex and dental phobia, and made her feel welcomed and understood. In this tooth extraction testimonial, Katy says her smile is now free of decay, and she has higher confidence in her smile.

The Importance of Tooth Extraction

If you are feeling tooth pain or notice signs like swelling, bleeding, or pus, then you need to visit our Portage-area dental practice immediately.

Dental infections can spread easily, causing further damage to your teeth, gums, and other parts of the mouth. They may even lead to cardiovascular problems later down the line.

By acting now, you can save yourself time, pain, and money.

"Will always recommend this dentist." Reviews From Our Portage, MI, Area Patients

1

Shelby Horst

2021

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All around an amazing place to go!

The staff is incredibly nice and helpful. They are so welcoming that I'm no longer scared to go to the dentist! Will always recommend this dentist

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1

Richard Stewart

2021

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In my opinion, the best dental practice in Kalamazoo. I suffer from extreme anxiety and Denise made me completely at ease. I highly recommend this dental practice for anyone who suffers anxiety from dental procedures. They are very compassionate, gentle and understanding.

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Tooth Extraction Timeline

Portage-area patients rely on our dentist for safe, effective dental care — including tooth extraction and wisdom teeth removal.
Portage-area patients rely on our dentist for safe, effective dental care — including tooth extraction and wisdom teeth removal.

Consultation

Dr. Michael Sharp and his Portage-area team are here to help. Before our dentist begins the procedure, he will examine your mouth to determine the source of your pain. If it is possible to treat your tooth with less invasive methods, then you may not need an extraction at all.

Relaxation

For your comfort, Dr. Sharp will apply local anesthesia or a general anesthetic. However, if you anticipate needing more relaxation, he may be able to discuss oral conscious or nitrous oxide sedation with you, allowing a more peaceful tooth extraction.

Extraction

Once the area is completely numb, Dr. Sharp will carefully remove your tooth. He may need to make an incision along the gumline to allow complete removal, which is common when treating impacted wisdom teeth. That way, you can heal properly and you won't have to worry about remaining tooth fragments.

Closing

Not all extractions will require sutures or stitches, but Dr. Sharp can place them as needed to prevent excessive bleeding. Once he finishes the process, he will ensure the site is clean and pack the area with gauze to stop the bleeding.

Recovery

Typically, it takes about three to four weeks to recover from a tooth extraction. We will also explain your timeline and aftercare in detail beforehand. Dr. Sharp may prescribe antibiotics, depending on your case. If you notice excessive swelling or bleeding, contact our dental office immediately.
"Our goal at Sharp Smile Center
is to treat you like our family."
Dr. Michael Sharp
Sharp Smile Center exterior

Choose a Dentist Who Never Stops Learning

The world of dentistry is ever-changing. Dr. Sharp loves staying up-to-date with the newest technologies and techniques — especially when they make his patients smile confidently. He has pursued additional training throughout his career in subjects like SureSmile® orthodontics and oral conscious sedation, so that his patients can benefit from a higher standard of care.

Our dentist is also affiliated with the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, making him an established professional that you can trust.

If you need help, he's here for you. Reach out to our Portage office or call:

Dr. Sharp talking to patient
Dentist Dr. Sharp can skillfully remove your damaged or decayed tooth at our Portage-area office.

Three Simple Fixes To Alleviate Extraction Site Pain

Temperature Control

A cold compress or ice pack can relieve possible pain from your extraction site. Hold the compress against your cheek and allow it to numb your jaw discomfort.

Salt-Water Rinse

A salt-water rinse starting the day after extraction can relieve pain. Mix a half teaspoon of salt into a single cup of warm water. Rinse for a minute three times a day.

Over-the-Counter Help

Ask Dr. Sharp which over-the-counter pain medicine he recommends. He likely will not have to prescribe strong painkillers after your procedure.

How Can I Care for My Mouth After a Tooth Extraction?

Gauze placed in tooth extraction location
Keeping the extraction site clean and covered with gauze will help you heal. Remember to change the gauze regularly. If you are prescribed antibiotics, make sure to take them as directed. Finally, get some rest, especially in the first two to three days after the procedure.

Foods to Eat After Your Tooth Extraction

A diet of soft, room-temperature foods can prevent pain and reopening or irritating the extraction site. Some of the options you can consider include:

  • Yogurt
  • Oatmeal
  • Applesauce
  • Broth
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Sorbet

"The best." Why Our Portage, MI, Area Patients Trust Dr. Sharp

1

Sandiee Preston

2021

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The BEST DENTAL OFFICE IN THE WORLD HANDS DOWN. DR. SHARP IS AWESOME,AMAZING CARING STAFF.

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1

Sarah Kaut Nasengom

2022

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Dr. Sharp and the staff are so friendly and professional. Thank you for doing a great job in cleaning my teeth. I highly recommend Sharp Smile Center, it is the best in Kalamazoo. :)

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​After your tooth extraction, it's possible that you may experience a dental complication called a dry socket. 

What Are Dry Sockets?

Dry socket illustration
Your extraction site has a secret weapon to help it heal: a blood clot. In some instances, though, the blood clot can dislodge. In others, a blood clot may not form at all. This leads to a dry socket, where the bone under the gum is exposed.

Don't panic! Your dentist is here to help.

What to Do If You Think You Have a Dry Socket

In the first three days after your tooth extraction, your pain will likely start to fade. However, if you notice that the extraction site is swollen, you may have a dry socket, especially if you experience other symptoms like a bad taste or odor in your mouth.

Ensuring that your mouth remains clean should be your first priority. You can rinse with salt water and cover the area with gauze that is changed regularly.

You can always reach out to Dr. Sharp for a closer look and any further care.
 

Call for Help

(269) 344-4004

Paying for Your Tooth Extraction

Extracting infected, decayed teeth is essential to your health. Fortunately, it's likely that your insurance will cover at least a portion of your tooth extraction costs.

If you need additional help paying for your dentistry procedure, we also offer two different financing options: CareCredit® and LendingClub.

Dr. Michael Sharp

Sharp Smile Center

Dr. Michael Sharp believes in using his advanced dentistry skills and top-of-the-line dental technology to help people change their lives for the better — inside and out. Dr. Sharp belongs to a number of prominent organizations, including the:
  • Accredited, Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow 
  • American Dental Association
  • Michigan Dental Association

See Full List of Affiliations

We invite you to request a consultation online or call us at (269) 344-4004 today.

Message Our Staff

"Eight implants and many crowns later, I have a smile to be proud of. With the aid of sedation, we got a lot done in a short time. THANK YOU Dr. Sharp and staff for getting me through my dental problems." Gene

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