Tooth Extractions
A Calm, Caring Approach to Extractions
Why Tooth Extractions Are Sometimes Necessary
When a tooth becomes severely damaged, deeply infected, or impacted in a way that threatens neighboring teeth, a tooth extraction may be the healthiest path forward. At our office in Billings, MT, we help patients understand when removing a tooth is the best choice to protect their overall oral health. Holding onto a failing tooth often leads to spreading infection, progressive bone deterioration, and persistent pain that can disrupt sleep, work, and family time.
At Shumway Family Dentistry, we understand that hearing you need an extraction can feel overwhelming and even frightening. If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, swelling, or suspect something isn’t right, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Call us today at (406) 248-7500 to schedule a thorough evaluation.
Common Signs You Need an Extraction
Persistent throbbing pain that keeps you awake at night, extreme sensitivity that makes eating or drinking impossible, or visible swelling along your jaw and cheek are warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. Sometimes a tooth cracks deeply below the gumline where no filling or crown can effectively repair it, or decay advances so far that a root canal simply won’t save the tooth.
You might also notice a lingering bad taste in your mouth, gums that bleed easily around one particular tooth, or a dark hole that seems to grow larger over time. These symptoms often indicate the tooth structure has been compromised beyond the point of restoration. Our team takes your concerns seriously, listens without judgment, and walks you through every step so you feel informed, supported, and in control of your treatment decisions from start to finish.
Our Gentle Extraction Process
Dr. Shumway earned his dental degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and maintains active membership in the Academy of General Dentistry. His dedication to continuing education ensures you receive care that reflects the latest techniques, technology, and best practices in modern dentistry. Before any extraction begins, we thoroughly numb the treatment area and confirm you’re completely comfortable
Many patients are genuinely surprised by how quick and painless the actual procedure turns out to be when performed by experienced, gentle hands using proper technique. Shumway Family Dentistry believes in maintaining clear, honest communication throughout the entire process. We explain exactly what you’ll feel during each stage, how long the procedure will take, and answer every question before we ever begin. Your comfort matters just as much as the clinical outcome.
Simple vs. Surgical Tooth Extractions
Simple extractions involve teeth that are fully visible above the gumline and can be loosened and removed with standard dental instruments. These procedures typically require only local anesthesia, take just a few minutes, and heal relatively quickly with minimal downtime so you can return to your regular routine. Surgical extractions become necessary when a tooth has broken off at or below the gumline, hasn’t fully erupted through the tissue, or has curved or complicated roots that make straightforward removal difficult.
While surgical extraction sounds more involved, modern techniques combined with proper anesthesia make the experience far more comfortable than most patients anticipate. Regardless of which type you need, removing a problematic tooth often brings immediate relief from chronic pain you may have been tolerating for months. It also prevents dangerous infection from spreading to neighboring healthy teeth or penetrating deeper into your jawbone.
What to Expect After Extraction
Recovery from a tooth extraction usually takes just a few days of taking it easy. We provide detailed written aftercare instructions and remain available by phone if any questions or concerns arise during your healing process. Most patients manage their recovery comfortably with over-the-counter pain relief and return to normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.
Yellowstone County families trust our practice because we treat every patient like a neighbor, not just another appointment on the schedule. Whether your child needs a children’s dental exam & cleaning or you’re considering dental implants to permanently replace a missing tooth after extraction, we provide comprehensive care for your entire family under one roof.
Schedule Your Tooth Extraction in Billings
Living with tooth pain affects everything from your quality of sleep to your ability to enjoy meals with your family. You deserve relief from that constant discomfort, and putting off treatment only allows the underlying problem to worsen over time. Shumway Family Dentistry offers flexible scheduling designed to accommodate busy Montana families juggling work, school, and activities.
We work with most insurance plans to help maximize your benefits, and our team will always provide a clear cost estimate before any procedure begins so there are no financial surprises waiting for you. Take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile today. Call (406) 248-7500 now to schedule your consultation with our caring team.