Summer should be about sunshine, travel, and good vibes—not nagging tooth pain. But if you’re waking up with throbbing discomfort or can’t chew on one side without wincing, it might be time to face something a lot of people avoid: the possibility of a tooth extraction.
At Fortson Dentistry in Lathrup Village, we understand that no one wants to lose a tooth. But sometimes, taking a tooth out is the healthiest, fastest way to relieve pain and prevent bigger issues later. And honestly? There’s no better time than summer to take care of it.
Let’s walk through when an extraction might be necessary, what the process looks like, and how we make sure it’s as easy and comfortable as possible.
When Might a Tooth Need to Come Out?
Here’s the truth: we’ll always try to save your natural tooth first. Whether that means a filling, crown, or root canal—we’ll explore your options. But there are moments when an extraction is simply the best path forward.
A tooth that’s severely infected, broken beyond repair, or impacted (like many wisdom teeth) can’t always be fixed. In those cases, trying to save it can cause more pain, inflammation, and expense down the road.
One of the most common signs that you might need an extraction? Persistent pain that doesn’t go away. Other red flags include swelling in the gums or jaw, pus, or a bad taste that lingers. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to give us a call.
Why Summer Is a Smart Time for a Tooth Extraction
You probably aren’t penciling “tooth removal” into your summer plans—but hear us out. With fewer school or work obligations, this season actually offers the perfect window to take care of dental procedures like extractions.
If you're planning a vacation, it's best to handle dental pain before you travel. No one wants to deal with a sudden dental emergency while flying or far from home. Plus, healing tends to be smoother when you can relax and recover with lighter meals and fewer demands on your time.
Teens who need their wisdom teeth removed especially benefit from summer scheduling. There's no pressure to miss school, and they can enjoy softer foods like smoothies, yogurt, or ice cream guilt-free.
What the Tooth Extraction Process Looks Like
If you’re nervous about what the procedure involves, you’re not alone—and we’re here to put your mind at ease.
When you visit us for an evaluation, Dr. Cory Fortson will examine your tooth and take a digital X-ray to see what’s going on beneath the surface. If the tooth can’t be saved, he’ll walk you through your options and answer every question, big or small.
The extraction itself is often much quicker and easier than people expect. We use gentle techniques and local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. And if you’re especially anxious, we offer sedation options to help you relax.
After the tooth is removed, we’ll give you clear instructions for recovery—like how to keep the area clean, manage any swelling, and when you can get back to your normal activities.
🛌 Recovery Tips for a Smooth Healing Process
Most patients feel much better just a day or two after an extraction, especially if they follow the recovery plan. Here’s what that usually looks like:
- Rest for the first 24 hours—take it easy!
- Avoid drinking from straws or smoking, as it can delay healing.
- Stick with soft foods like mashed potatoes, eggs, and cold smoothies for the first couple of days.
- Gently rinse with warm saltwater (once we give the green light) to keep the area clean.
Real Talk: A Patient’s Story
"I had a nagging molar that was bothering me for months. I kept putting it off until the pain flared up right before a family reunion. Dr. Fortson and the team made time for me right away. The extraction was quick, and honestly, I wish I had done it sooner. I was able to enjoy my trip pain-free!"
— Angela, Southfield, MI
We love helping patients get back to smiling without pain—and we’re here to do the same for you.
FAQ: Tooth Extractions at Fortson Dentistry
Q: Is a tooth extraction painful?
A: Not at all. We use local anesthesia and offer sedation options to make sure you're totally comfortable.
Q: How long does it take to heal?
A: Most people feel significantly better in 2–3 days. Full healing takes a bit longer, but discomfort fades quickly.
Q: What if I want to replace the missing tooth later?
A: Great question! We offer dental implants and other restoration options to fill the gap beautifully.
Q: Do you offer emergency extractions?
A: Yes—we provide emergency dental care for urgent situations, even same-day in many cases.
Q: Will I need someone to drive me home?
A: If you choose sedation, yes. Otherwise, it depends on how you feel post-procedure—we’ll let you know in advance.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
There’s no need to let a bad tooth steal your summer. If you’ve been dealing with pain, swelling, or sensitivity, let’s find out what’s going on—and fix it.
Schedule an appointment today or call our caring team at 248-557-8120. We’ll get you in quickly and guide you every step of the way.
