Tooth Extractions in Des Moines, IA
By Stephen Forrest, DDS | Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center | Reviewed and updated July 2026
About the Author: Dr. Stephen Forrest has practiced dentistry in the Des Moines area for more than 30 years and performs tooth extractions at his Clive office. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa, holds a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, and is a member of the American Dental Association and the Iowa Dental Association.
A tooth extraction removes a tooth that cannot be saved, whether from severe decay, damage, infection, or crowding. Dr. Stephen Forrest performs both simple and surgical extractions at his Clive office, keeps patients comfortable throughout, and sends everyone home with clear aftercare instructions to protect healing. This page covers when an extraction is needed, what the procedure involves, and exactly how to care for the site afterward. Call (515) 516-6769 to schedule.
Dentists work to save natural teeth whenever possible, and sometimes removal is the healthiest choice for the mouth. An extraction relieves pain, clears infection, and makes room where teeth are crowded. When a tooth needs replacing afterward, dental implants and other options restore the space, and Dr. Forrest walks through the right path for your situation.
“I take teeth out only when keeping them would cost the patient more than losing them. A hopeless tooth is a source of pain and infection, and once it is out and healed, we can talk about replacing it. The goal is always the health of the whole mouth,” says Dr. Stephen Forrest.
When Is a Tooth Extraction Needed?
An extraction becomes the right choice when a tooth is beyond saving or is causing problems for the teeth around it. Common reasons include:
- Severe decay leaving too little of the tooth to repair.
- Damage or a fracture that reaches below the gumline.
- Infection that cannot be resolved another way.
- Crowding, where removing a tooth makes room for proper alignment.
- Impacted or problem wisdom teeth.
When a tooth can be saved with a filling, crown, or root canal, saving it comes first. Extraction is for the teeth that cannot.
Types of Tooth Extractions
There are two main kinds of extraction, and the right one depends on the tooth:
- Simple extraction: for a tooth visible above the gumline, performed under local anesthesia. The tooth is loosened and removed in one piece, and this covers most extractions.
- Surgical extraction: for a tooth that cannot be removed simply, such as one broken at the gumline or impacted below it. Performed by the dental surgeon, sometimes under general anesthesia, and in more complicated cases the tooth is removed in pieces for your comfort.
Dr. Forrest determines which approach fits your tooth at the exam, and explains what to expect before anything begins, so there are no surprises.
Post Extraction Care
Aftercare protects the blood clot forming in the socket, which is the foundation of healing. Following these instructions carefully lowers the risk of complications. After the extraction:
- Refrain from spitting, rinsing forcefully, or drinking with a straw in the first 24 hours, to avoid dislodging the blood clot formed in the socket.
- Eat mainly soft food after the procedure, and introduce solid food gradually.
- Avoid biting and chewing on the affected side to keep pressure off the exposed gum.
- Follow normal dental hygiene procedures carefully to prevent infection.
Some mild bleeding, swelling, and discomfort in the first day or two is normal. Manage swelling with a cold compress on the outside of the cheek, and take any medication as directed. Call the office if bleeding does not slow, if pain worsens after a few days, or if you notice signs of infection.
Protecting the Blood Clot and Avoiding Dry Socket
The single most important part of recovery is keeping the blood clot in place. When that clot dislodges too early, it exposes the bone and nerve underneath, a painful condition known as dry socket. The rules above, no straws, no forceful rinsing or spitting, and no smoking, all exist to protect that clot. Most healing troubles after an extraction trace back to a lost clot, so guarding it for the first few days is the whole job.
What to Expect During Recovery
Most simple extractions heal over a couple of weeks, with the socket gradually filling in. The first 24 to 48 hours call for rest and careful eating, and each day after should feel better than the last. Deeper or surgical extractions take a little longer, and Dr. Forrest gives you a timeline for your specific case. Keeping the follow-up appointment, when one is scheduled, lets the team confirm healing is on track and remove any stitches.
Replacing an Extracted Tooth
Except for wisdom teeth, a gap left by an extraction is usually worth filling, since missing teeth let neighboring teeth drift and the jawbone shrink over time. Options include a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture, each suited to different situations. Dr. Forrest reviews the choices once the site has healed, so you restore both the function and the look of a complete smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a tooth pulled hurt?
No, the area is fully numbed with anesthesia during the extraction, so you feel pressure but not pain. Mild soreness afterward as the numbness wears off is normal and manageable with medication.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Most simple extractions heal over about two weeks, with the first 24 to 48 hours being the most important for rest and careful eating. Surgical extractions take a little longer, and your dentist gives you a timeline for your case.
What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket happens when the blood clot in the socket dislodges too early, exposing bone and nerve. Avoid it by skipping straws, forceful rinsing, spitting, and smoking for the first several days, which protects the clot while it heals.
What can I eat after a tooth extraction?
Soft foods for the first days, things like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, and smoothies, eaten with a spoon rather than a straw. Introduce solid food gradually, and chew on the opposite side from the extraction while it heals.
Should I replace a tooth after it is extracted?
Usually yes, except for wisdom teeth. A gap lets nearby teeth shift and the jawbone shrink, so replacing the tooth with an implant, bridge, or partial denture protects your bite. Dr. Forrest reviews the options once the site heals.
Schedule Your Extraction Consultation in Des Moines
If you are dealing with a painful or damaged tooth, an exam is the place to start, since sometimes the tooth is worth saving and sometimes removal is the healthiest path. Dr. Stephen Forrest and the team at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center care for patients across Des Moines, West Des Moines, Waukee, Urbandale, and Clive with gentle, experienced treatment. Call (515) 516-6769 to schedule and get a clear answer about your tooth.
